The 21st SIFF Short Film Finalists2 min read

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Singapore International Film Festival enters its 21st year this year and we, Sinema Old School, will be hosting the Singapore leg of the festival which takes place between 4 to 14 April 2008. At a press conference today, the Silver Screen Short Film Awards finalists are announced and are as follows:

1. Keluar Baris by Boo Junfeng

Translating to “fall out” in Malay and the last command in National Service, Keluar Baris tells the personal struggles of a boy serving compulsory military in Singapore and his personal liberty. Boo Junfeng is a prolific independent filmmaker based in Singapore, and this film tells his personal journey to the army.

2. Wet Seasons by Michael Tay

Wet Seasons is a tribute to Michael’s father who passed away six years ago, and is told in a combination of live-action and stop-motion animation. Michael was a graduate of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Film, Sound and Video diploma and is currently pursuing his degree at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media.

3. Para Asia (For Asia) by Fran Borgia

Writer/Director Fran Borgia and founder of Akanga Film Asia tells the story of a young man coming to terms with the death of the love of his life, and follows him as he finds ways to keep the memories alive.

4. Love Me, Love My Dogs by Lincoln Chia Zhicheng

Are dogs truly a man’s best friend? This documentary by Lincoln Chia, also studying at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media, explores one woman’s extreme love affair with her dogs. He is also a member of the Singapore Kennel Club.

5. My Home, My Heaven by Muhammed EySham Ali

Known for making films which explore the lives of Malay youths in Singapore, Director Muhammed EySham Ali follows Ahmad, a juvenile delinquent recently released from a boy’s home.

6. Kallang Roar by Cheng Ding An

The last hope of Singapore football lies in the hands of eccentric but undeniably genius Singapore coach Uncle Choo. Kallang Roar follows the complicated relationship between Football Association Chairman Ganesan and Uncle Choo, further tested as they both fight to restore the Kallang Roar.

7. Silent Girls by Ric Aw

Ric Aw of The Creative Room tells the story of two 16-year-old girls lost in the world of love, sex and the internet. His previous short film, Buy Me Love, received 1st prize at the Digital Film Fiesta.