Winners of SGIFF’s 2020 Silver Screen Awards Announced3 min read

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With the 31st edition of Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) coming to a close yesterday, the winners of 2020 Silver Screen Awards were also announced virtually on 5th December.

11 awards were presented across four categories, including Asian Feature Film Competition and Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, recognising the best in filmmaking and film production across the region.

Ivan Ayr’s Milestone, or Meel Patthar, had not only bagged the Best Film Award in Asian Feature Film Competition, but its main actor, Suvinder Vicky, who played Ghalib in the film, had also won the Best Performance Award. The category was judged by João Pedro Rodrigues, Mary Stephen, Mouly Surya and John Torres.

The film tells the story of Ghalib, a Punjabi trucker in New Delhi as he finds his life stalled by a workers’ strike, the loss of his wife, and an inexplicable pain in his back. Ivan Ayr’s film is a sobering portrait of a man who – even as he confronts his own disposability – insists on preserving his dignity. The Jury found the film to be a great humanist story, that is confident and nuanced, with a strong script and engaging direction.

The Best Director award went to Dea Kulumbegashvili, whose film, Beginning, examines the extreme isolation of a woman’s suffering that is quiet, yet acute. The Jury described the film as a beautifully crafted piece that demonstrates an exceptionally strong voice from a debut director.

The Southeast Asian Short Film Competition had awarded five different films and directors, all from different countries. The competition was judged by multidisciplinary artist Ho Tzu Nyen, filmmaker Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, and academic Wang Chun-Chi.

Tellurian Drama, directed by Riar Rizaldi, was awarded the Best Southeast Asian Short Film. The film – a docufiction – investigates alternative Indonesian histories through a rumination of colonial ruins, the role of technology, and the invisible power of indigenous ancestry.

Taking home the Best Singapore Short Film award was director Nelson Yeo, whose film, Here is Not There, tells the story of two lovers who reflect on the transitory lives they lead in Singapore. The Jury praised the ambition of the film, describing it as inspiring and addressing the important issues of migrant workers, exploitation, work-related injury and discrimination against pregnant women at work.

This year’s Audience Choice Award was awarded to Sementara by Chew Chia Shao Min and Joant Úbeda, marking the second time a local film has received this Award. The film features casual interviews with people from different walks of life, each with their own set of values and beliefs. The subjects share deeply personal stories and their perspectives on issues such as religion, race, identity, and mortality.

According to Executive Director of SGIFF, Emily J Hoe, the Silver Screen Award testifies to the wide and amazing variety of films and filmmakers across Singapore, Asia, and the rest of the world. “Especially this year, the ability to celebrate the local and regional film community makes us incredibly grateful to all who have given their time and support under most difficult circumstances,” she said.

Here are all of the award winners of 2020 Silver Screen Award:

Asian Film Feature Competition Results:
Best Film — Milestone by Ivan Ayr
Best Director — Dea Kulumbegashvili for Beginning
Best Performance — Suvinder Vicky for Milestone

Southeast Asian Short Film Competition Results:
Best Southeast Asian Film Competition — Tellurian Drama by Riar Rizaldi
Best Director — Lin Htet Aung for Estate
Best Singapore Short Film — Here Is Not There by Nelson Yeo
Youth Jury Prize — The Unseen River by Phạm Ngọc Lân 
Special Mention — Red Aninsri; Or, Tiptoeing on the Still Trembling Berlin Wall by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke

Southeast Asian Film Lab:
Most Promising Project — Baby Jackfruit Baby Guava by Nong Nhat Quang
Fellowship Prize — Tropical Rain, Death-Scented Kiss by Charlotte Hong Bee Her

Youth Jury & Critics Programme Results:
Young Critic Award — Nicole Wong Kar Mun

Audience Choice Award: Sementara by Chew Chia Shao Min and Joant Úbeda

Congratulations to all winners!

Click here for more information on SGIFF.