YOUNG FILMMAKERS TAKE CENTRESTAGE AT THE 3rd NATIONAL YOUTH FILM AWARDS

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The air was abuzz with excitement and promise as representatives from the local film industry gathered to recognise and celebrate the next generation of film auteurs this afternoon. The third edition of the National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) was officiated by Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Ms Grace Fu, with a total of 23 awards presented to emerging youth filmmakers from local Institutions of Higher Learning (IHLs).

One of the anchor events of July’s Youth Month, a month-long celebration of youth talents, aspirations and positive contributions, NYFA 2017 saw over 200 submissions that were critically assessed by a 20-member jury panel consisting of distinguished industry stalwarts from diverse backgrounds. Organised by *SCAPE and co-presented by the National Youth Council (NYC) and DBS Bank, NYFA sets out to discover and recognise the best of emerging talent for technical film crafts in Singapore by providing key opportunities for youths to meet and connect with local film industry practitioners.

Leading the awards ceremony were the films Paper Roof and BUANG BAYI ““ Behind the Baby Hatch, each clinching three awards under their belts. Paper Roof, which explored the breaking down of the family unit in today’s society through the eyes of two young sisters, bagged accolades for Best Camera Work, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing. The team from BUANG BAYI – Behind the Baby Hatch swept the entire documentary category for their outstanding work documenting the plight of abandoned babies in Malaysia. The team walked away with three awards – the Fujinon Best Documentary Film Award, the Best Camera Work in a Documentary Film Award and the Best Editing in a Documentary Film Award.

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) was also awarded the Overall School. The institution won a total of 13 awards including the prestigious Best Picture Award, which was given to the team who worked on Changi for their insightful work in exploring themes such as immigration and family ties through a taxi conversation between a young immigrant mother and her son.

This year, three additional awards by DBS Bank were also handed out under the newly- introduced non-media student category, which recognises short films presented by non- media trained students. The Gold Award (Non-Media) was presented to the team from The Conservation Conversation by National University of Singapore undergraduates, Rachel Seah and Ong Kah Jing. The short film, which follows a group of 24 students on a school expedition to learn about the complexities of conservation efforts in Indonesia, struck a chord with public voters, who, for the first time, had the opportunity to vote for their favourite films in the non-media student category. The Silver Award (Non-media) was awarded to Double Take by Tan Jian Yan from Hwa Chong Institution and the Bronze Award (Non-media) to Uncle Tommy by Tan Shi Ying from Hwa Chong Institution (College).

Ms Fu said, “The National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) celebrates the talents of our young filmmakers. Despite its short history, many of the past winners have gone on to achieve recognition on the international stage. *SCAPE and NYC provide many opportunities for our youths to develop their film making craft besides having an award to recognise excellence. I urge all our youths to explore their creative passions, and be a driving force for social good.”

In addition to recognising emerging talents in various technical crafts behind filmmaking, organisers have also noticed how the winners of this year’s competition strongly represent a generation of socially-conscious youth. Many have used their films as a means to highlight social issues that more youth are facing today, such as the breakdown of the family unit, lost love, self-image issues and more.

For example, the film WARD 77 by the LASALLE College of the Arts features the coming out story of a terminally ill-elderly woman to her husband after an unexpected visit by an old flame at the hospital. The film was awarded the Hyundai Best Direction Award and the Best Screenplay Award. Other films such as Red by Curtin Singapore, which won the Blackmagic Design Best Colour Grading Award, also give viewers a rare glimpse into hidden facades of Singapore such as the underground triad scene, exploring themes on brotherhood that underpins many of these societies.

“From brands to local film veterans, it is heartening to see the entire local film industry rallying behind our young emerging film talents at the National Youth Film Awards,” said Mr Nicholas Chee, Awards Director for NYFA, “The entries for this year’s National Youth Film Awards point to a young generation of local emerging filmmakers who proudly wear their hearts on their sleeves and are able to translate prevalent issues that they are facing in our society today into quality films that resonate with a local and even international audience. They are a reflection of a new wave of passionate, creative and competent youth that are unafraid to pursue their creative interests and we hope that the National Youth Film Awards will serve as a springboard to realise the full potentials of these young talents.”

As part of the efforts to aid upcoming youth talents in developing their craft, the winner of the Hyundai Best Direction Award, Ho Say Peng, and the winner of the Sony Best Camera Work Award, Jeth Heng, will be also given the opportunity to work on commissioned projects for Hyundai and Sony respectively.

For more information on NYFA 2017, visit www.scape.sg/nyfa.

ABOUT *SCAPE
*SCAPE Co. Ltd is a non-profit organisation with its mission and vision rooted in support of youth, talent and leadership development. The organisation aims to facilitate youth-oriented programmes and support within various communities of youth interest. Look out for a series of exciting initiatives for media enthusiasts, music lovers, dancers and development programmes for your mind and soul! Be inspired and empowered to Dream it. Live it. At *SCAPE!

ABOUT NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL
At NYC, we believe in a world where young people are respected and heard, and have the ability to influence and make a difference to the world. Together with our partners, we develop a dynamic and engaging environment where young people can realise their aspirations and play a part in making Singapore an endearing home for all.
For more information, visit www.nyc.gov.sg.

ABOUT DBS BANK
DBS – Living, Breathing Asia
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s capital position, as well as “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings, is among the highest in Asia-Pacific. DBS has been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by The Banker, a member of the Financial Times group, and “Best Bank in Asia-Pacific” by Global Finance. The bank has also been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for seven consecutive years from 2009 to 2015.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking activities across Asia. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. These market insights and regional connectivity have helped to drive the bank’s growth as it sets out to be the Asian bank of choice. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a S$50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 22,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities.
For more information, visit www.dbs.com.