SINGAPORE, May 29 — Local film-maker Eric Khoo is at the 70th Cannes Film Festival, this time, as a member of the jury for short and student films.
This is the first time a Singaporean film-maker is on the panel of judges at the prestigious international film festival held in France.
Khoo, 52, was invited to be a member of the Cinefoundation and Short Films Jury by former Cannes Film Festival president Gilles Jacob.
Speaking to TODAY from Cannes, Khoo said: "In 1997, Gilles Jacob invited my second feature 12 Storeys to this wonderful film festival and I had my first taste of Cannes.
"Through the years I have returned with other films, but it’s a true honour to be invited back by Gilles to be on the jury for the Short Film Palme d’Or 20 years later.”
Khoo is no stranger to the Cannes Film Festival.
He has previously presented his films, such as Tatsumi, My Magic, Be With Me and 12 Storeys at the international film event.
This year, at the festival’s 70th anniversary, Khoo is serving jury duty alongside Academy Award-winning Moonlight director and co-writer Barry Jenkins.
The panel is headed by Romanian filmmaker Cristian Mungiu, who won the 2007 Cannes Palme d’Or for his film 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days.
Also on the jury are French actress Clotilde Hesme, best known for her role in Chocolat; and Greek director Athina Rachel Tsangari, who helmed the film, Chevalier.
The Short Film Palme d’Or winner will be announced at the festival’s closing ceremony at the Grand Theatre Lumière.
The experience at Cannes, Khoo said, has been "amazing”, from the parties to "meeting his favourite directors” such as Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, whose competition film, Okja, stars Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal.
He also met the "master of horror”, Italian film director, producer and screen writer Dario Argento.
"It’s been magical,” said Khoo. — TODAY
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