The 35th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) has announced a programme of contemporary premieres and restored classics, focusing on themes of displacement, migration and the effects of artificial intelligence and technological transformation.
Mr Jeremy Chua, general manager of SGIFF, says that in recent years, filmmakers have been influenced by global trends such as "doom scrolling", the fixation on negative news by social media users.
"Doom scrolling is part of our culture now, and the idea that people are being left behind by technological and economic change," he adds.
He was speaking to The Straits Times on the sidelines of the Singapore Media Festival (SMF) press event on Oct 28, held at the offices of the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Citing films from 2024's SGIFF programme illustrating its themes, Mr Chua includes the drama Mongrel by Taiwan-based Singapore filmmaker Chiang Wei-liang and Taiwanese filmmaker Yin You-qiao. The film deals with the plight of exploited migrant workers in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Singapore filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua's mystery thriller Stranger Eyes deals with the anxieties of living in an age of surveillance.
Denne historien er fra October 30, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 30, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.
A CITY FOR BABIES
After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.
Learning to embrace change positively
On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.
STRONGER, TOGETHER
Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery