KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 — Singapore may be one of Malaysia’s closest neighbour, but up till now there has not been a Singapore Film Festival to truly appreciate and share the films made across the sea for our local movie buffs.

Presented by Titian Budaya Singapore, the inaugural Singapore Film Festival’s objective is to celebrate 50 years of Singapore-Malaysia friendship.

Showcasing 10 films by Singapore filmmaking talents at GSC Pavilion and GSC 1 Utama, the screenings of the films from January 14 to 17 will encompass Q&A sessions as well as panel discussions.

Here are the films slated for the Singapore Film Fest:

7 Letters

Faeryville

03-Flats

Miss J Contemplates Her Choices

Sayang Disayang

12 Storeys

Innocents

Bring Back the Dead

Banting

Among the highlights of the festival is 7 Letters, a much lauded anthology film in light of Singapore’s 50th year of independence as directed by seven Singaporean filmmakers portraying the Singaporean way of life.

The filmmakers whom deliver their heartfelt stories in 7 Letters are, Boo Junfeng, Eric Khoo, K. Rajagopal, Jack Neo, Tan Pin Pin, Royston Tan and Kelvin Tong.

Also not to be missed is Singapore’s entry to the Oscar’s Sayang Disayang, a Malay language drama film about a live-in nurse and a lonely and bitter elderly man she looks after, starring Malaysian veteran actor, Rahim Razali and Singaporean director and actress, Aidli ‘Alin’ Mosbit.

To commemorate the 50 years of friendship between Malaysia and Singapore, Titian Budaya is an initiative presented by Singapore’s Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC).

Its aim is to showcase the creative talents from Singapore and Malaysia to appreciate and enjoy the shared culture and heritage of the two countries.

Tickets for the Singapore Film Festival movies will be made available for purchase soon on GSC’s website. — Cinema Online