Originally launched to give local audiences an opportunity to watchindependent and non-commercial films, the festival is now recognized worldwide byfilm critics[citation needed] for its focus on Asian filmmakers and promotion of Southeast Asian films.
The 24th edition of SGIFF held in 2011 faced issues such as poor organisation and financial woes due to lack of sponsorships.[4] Founder Geoffrey Malone also resigned as the chairman of the Board of Directors withShaw Soo Wei, former Executive Director of theHong Kong International Film Festival Society, taking over as the chairman.[4]
For the 33rd edition in 2022, the film#LookAtMe, directed byKen Kwek, was originally scheduled to be screened at the SGIFF but wasrefused classification byInfocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which effectively barred the film from being screened in Singapore for "its potential to cause enmity and social division".[5] IMDA,Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, andMinistry of Home Affairs also stated that the pastor in the film engages "in an act prohibited by his professed religious faiths"; that the depictions of the pastor in the film are "suggestive of a real pastor in Singapore", and the allegations may be "perceived to be offensive, defamatory and contrary to theMaintenance of Religious Harmony Act".[6] However, even with the ban, SGIFF decided to include the film in its advertised line-up, though the film was marked as unavailable for screening.[7][8]
For the 35th edition in 2024, the SGIFF was managed by a new general manager, Jeremy Chua.[9] Local actressRebecca Lim was named as SGIFF's first ambassador for the festival.[9] Daniel Hui's film,Small Hours Of The Night, an official selection for the SGIFF was submitted for classification by IMDA for the festival but was refused classification by IMDA in November.[10] The lack of classification for the film resulted it being unable to screen at the SGIFF.[10] SGIFF programme director Thong Kay Wee continued to support the film and list it as an official selection.[10]
The Silver Screen Awards Competition was introduced in 1991 to encourage advances in Asian film-making standards.[46] Every year, a selection of Asian feature and short films take part in the competition. In 2014, the Southeast Asian Short Film category was introduced, replacing the Singapore Short Film category. The first Southeast Asian Film Lab was introduced in 2015.[47]
