Oliver Stone to Head Jury for ScreenSingapore's Asian Short Film Awards

ScreenSingapore adds to its line-up of activities; from conferences, forums, masterclasses and more

The Media Development Authority (MDA) together with organiser Experia Pte Ltd, today announced the Asian Short Film Awards as part of the inaugural edition of ScreenSingapore, which will take place from 5 to 12 June 2011. Legendary filmmaker and three-time Oscar winner Oliver Stone will head the Jury, comprising international filmmakers, curators and film professionals. Mr Aubeck Kam, Chief Executive Officer of MDA said: "The Asian Short Film Awards is an opportunity for the global film community to recognize upcoming Asian filmmakers. Many prominent film directors today like Martin Scorsese and Peter Jackson began their successful careers in short films. It is our hope that this Award will do the same for a new generation of Asian filmmakers."

The Asian Short Film Award seeks to nurture Asian film talent and expose them to an international audience. A distinguished panel of jurors, which includes Singaporean Film Director, Eric Khoo, Director and CEO of RGM Media, Devesh Chetty, and Asia Chief Critic for The Hollywood Reporter, Maggie Lee, will shortlist the top three films. The final winner, who will be selected by Mr Stone, stands to walk away with a SGD$20,000 cash prize, sponsored by RGM Media, and hosted travel and accommodation to attend the awards ceremony in Singapore.

"We hope to inspire and grow the Asian film community through the ScreenSingapore Asian Short Film Award. It is an opportunity for the international community to view the creativity and story ideas from the Asian market. There is a great deal of un-tapped potential in Asia and this competition is one way for us to experience it first hand," said Mr Greg Coote, Chairman of the Board of ScreenSingapore.

The Asian Short Film Awards is open to all citizens and permanent residents of Asian countries. Films submitted should be 10 minutes or shorter and must be produced after 1 January 2010. Submissions should be made through the ScreenSingapore website at www.screensingapore.com.sg by 30 April 2011. Entry fees apply. More information can be found on the website.

The Asian Short Film Awards is the latest addition to the already extensive line-up of activities planned for the week-long event in June. Complementing the series of daily red-carpet premieres, and sneak previews of upcoming blockbusters, ScreenSingapore will also feature the Expo@ScreenSingapore (7-9 June 2011), a marketplace for expertise, entertainment technology and film distribution rights; "In Conversation" Masterclasses (6, 9, 10 June 2011) to hear first-hand from experts in the industry on topics ranging from directing to distribution; a World Intellectual Property Organisation Masterclass@ScreenSingapore (8 June 2011) focusing on international intellectual property rights and system for the film industry; as well as the Film Finance Forum@ScreenSingapore (7 June 2011), a trade conference organised by Winston Baker in association with Variety magazine, on film finance, production, distribution, and digital innovation.

Through MDA support, Singaporeans and Permanent Residents attending ScreenSingapore will be charged a special rate of 50% off the event fee. The visitor badge is S$200 for registration before 31 May 2011 and S$400 for on-site registration. While the red carpet premieres and sneak previews are set to take place at Golden Village, Shaw Organisation and The Cathay cinema, the conference, exhibition and workshops will be held at the Capella Singapore. As the official hotel partner, Capella Singapore will provide accommodation to ScreenSingapore guests and will also host several scheduled programmes including the welcome reception.

Mr Robert Lagerwey, General Manager of Capella Singapore said: "Capella Singapore is extremely proud and privileged to be part of the inaugural international ScreenSingapore event, and we envisage more successful partnerships with ScreenSingapore in supporting the prominent position of Singapore as the premier destination and global media capital in Asia."

ScreenSingapore, the first international cinema event in Singapore, aims to bring together movie stars, renowned directors and eminent film industry professionals to exchange ideas, business opportunities and showcase film products, reinforcing Singapore's position as a global media capital.

Managing Director of Experia Events, Mr. Jimmy Lau, commented: "ScreenSingapore is on its way to becoming the premier film event for the region, effectively establishing Singapore as the bridge between the East and West. We are looking forward to drawing top talent from the region with the introduction of the ScreenSingapore Asian Short Film Awards. Also, movie studios and film distribution partners have already pledged their support for ScreenSingapore, reflecting their confidence in what we're achieving."