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The 26th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) Kicks off with a Glitzy Opening Gala!

By Flora / 27 Nov 2015 (Friday)

Casting a prominent spotlight on Asian talent, the 26th Singapore International Film Festival rolled out the red carpet for its Gala Opening last night at the Marina Bay Sands.

Apart from local celebrities like Julie Tan and Zhang Zhen Huan gracing the red carpet, Taiwanese actress and new mum Sonia Sui Tang, Singapore’s Golden Horse-winning actress Yeo Yann Yann and the cast of Panay turned up to celebrate the opening of the 11-day festival.

Sui and Yeo, together with Taiwanese director Lee Chung, are in Singapore for the Festival’s Special Presentation of The Laundryman. Lee’s feature-length debut revolves around a hitman haunted by the ghosts of his victims, and also stars Joseph Chang Hsiao-Chuan and Wan Qian.

Inter-ethnic director-duo, Cheng Yu-Chieh and Lekal Sumi, took to the red carpet with the cast of the Festival’s Opening Film Panay. They include Ado Kalitaing Pacidal, Bokeh Kosang, and Kaco Lekal. This was also the first trip out of Taiwan for the film’s two young aboriginal actors, Dongi Kacan and Rahic Gulas. The film’s soundtrack was recently awarded Best Original Film Song at the 52nd Golden Horse Awards – it was performed at the film’s after-party by singer, Suming.

(Check out the list of films at the SGIFF, here!)

A splash of colour and fun were also brought onto the red carpet by five members of Bugis Street Redux’s original ensemble, who made a special appearance tonight ahead of the film’s 20th anniversary screening and cast reunion. Hiep Thi Le, Matthew Foo, Ernest Seah, and Maria J will be joined by Director Yonfan for the screening on 28 November.

SGIFF Executive Director, Yuni Hadi, said, “Southeast Asia is rich with an eclectic mix of film talents and auteurs, each with their own unique expressions and styles. With over 150 specially selected films and programmes, SGIFF is a choice platform for the facilitating and expanding the conversation and interest on filmmaking, and it is always exciting to discover these independent voices and connect them with the wider international audience.”

Running from 26 November to 6 December 2015, the 26th edition of SGIFF will take place across various venues, featuring 146 feature and short films from 51 countries, across 11 sections.

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The 26th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) Kicks off with a Glitzy Opening Gala!