As the world eagerly awaits the cinematic release of Tony-award winning musical "Wicked”, we figured what better time to discover the next generation of homegrown creative visionaries right in our own backyard? Enter the Singapore Youth Film Festival (SYFF) – front and centre to satisfy every cinephile’s craving for fresh, innovative films by young Singaporean filmmakers.
Running for two weeks in partnership with Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), SYFF will be screening all the nominated films from this year’s Student and Open Youth categories through ticketed screenings at Golden VIllage x The Projector at Cineleisure. These films – written and directed by National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) 2024 award winners – depict a vibrant tapestry of life in Singapore.
This newly minted batch of nominated young filmmakers have a lot to look forward to. Many past NYFA awardees who started on this very same path have since gone on to establish successful careers in the film and media industry. Catch had the opportunity to speak to 5 past NYFA winners, who have been flying the Singaporean flag high on the international stage since their wins.
LEON CHEO: BRINGING SINGAPOREAN TALENT TO THE EMMYS
Leon Cheo fell in love with films at a young age. As a child, he wanted to watch “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” but was forbidden by his parents as its action scenes might be too violent on a child’s psyche. However, this deterrent didn’t pull him away from the movies, with one of his earlier short films “SIN-SFO” winning Best Director and Best Live Action in the Open Youth Category at the 2019 NYFA.
.jpg)
This milestone boosted his confidence and validated his aspiration to become a filmmaker that highlights stories about family drama and the human cost of government policy because he realised that he could tell a story that resonates with other people. For Cheo, submitting his work to NYFA was a natural decision, as it is one of Singapore’s few annual short film awards. He believes that awards are crucial for bringing prestige and recognition to the art form.
Among his many achievements, the nomination of his short form series “People Like Us” for an International Emmy in 2020 stands out as a notable highlight in his career. Cheo also continues to thrive and most recently, was selected for the 2022 Hillman Grad / Indeed Rising Voices programme in which he is mentored by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Now based in Los Angeles, Cheo continues to bring compelling narratives to life. In his free time, Cheo is currently learning Spanish and finds comfort in making spreadsheets and schedules.
KRIS ONG: THE QUEEN OF THE FILM FESTIVALS
Kris Ong, a screenwriter and director from Singapore, has seen her career flourish with the recognition she received at NYFA. Her short films, “You Idiot” (2018) and “Sunday” (2019), were acknowledged at NYFA, providing her with the confidence and support to continue honing her craft.
Having her films reviewed by NYFA's panel of respected filmmakers and industry practitioners was particularly significant for Ong, as it offered validation from individuals she looked up to within Singapore’s film scene.
One of the main reasons Ong submitted her work to NYFA was the platform’s holistic recognition of talent, not just for directors and producers but also for up-and-coming cinematographers, sound designers, actors, and editors. This inclusive approach aligns with her belief in fostering a strong, collaborative creative community.
As a writer, Ong co-wrote the Singapore-Korean feature film Ajoomma (2022), for which she was nominated for a Golden Horse Award for Best Original Screenplay. She is also an alumna of the Sundance Intensive Asia 2021. Her latest short film, “Mountain Land: A Celebration” premiered at the Concorto Film Festival 2023.
A co-founder of film company Momo Film Co.,Ong hopes to continue creating ambitious Asian dramas to connect the global audience with the region, further expanding her impact on the industry.
CHARLOTTE HONG: IMPACTING THE WORLD WITH THE BEST ANIMATIONS
.jpg)
Charlotte Hong, a filmmaker and animation artist, is known for her unique vision and dedication to creating stories that explore the unseen. NYFA played a significant role in encouraging her to pursue filmmaking as she navigated her creative journey to find her style. Through NYFA, Hong was able to see the diversity and talent of the local film scene from her fellow nominated peers, which motivated her as she continued to refine her craft.
One of Hong’s most personal achievements is the reception to a quiet scene in her film, where she draws alongside her partner. The tenderness and intimacy of that moment, which represents two of her deepest commitments, has resonated with audiences who may balance pursuing a career while being dedicated to the person they love, which is something she deeply appreciates.
Among her many achievements, Hong served as animation director for “By Water”, which was selected for Sundance 2023 and won the SFFilm Golden Gate Award for Best Animated Short. What is really amazing about Hong’s animations is that it is all drawn with her left-hand – which she is more dominant in. She is currently in post-production on her debut feature film, “Tropical Rain, Death-Scented Kiss”.
HARIZ ZULKIFLI: THE FILMMAKER IN THE BOXING RING
Hariz Zulkifli is a filmmaker and documentarian whose passion for storytelling and photography began at a young age before he even realised that his aspirations could become a career. Being selected and awarded by NYFA provided him not only with validation but also with invaluable networking opportunities with producers, companies, and other filmmakers.
Despite his limited experience at the time, the exposure helped Hariz hone his craft. He initially took a chance and submitted his film to NYFA to showcase the hard work of his team, believing there was no harm in seeking wider recognition for their efforts.
For Hariz, the greatest achievement in filmmaking is simply completing a project, regardless of the resources available. His film “Elephant in the Room” stands out as a significant accomplishment as it is a film that he continues to discuss with friends, reflecting on both its successes and areas for improvement.
A graduate of the LASALLE College of the Arts with a focus on Nonfiction Directing, Hariz has worked on over 40 productions. He is now combining career, passion and hobby by creating social content and documentaries in the fighting industry across Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. And when he has the time, he also participates in these boxing matches recreationally.
TAN WEI TING: THE LOVER AND HATER OF FILMMAKING
With a background in theatre, Tan Wei Ting’s work has garnered international attention. Beyond NYFA, her debut short film “CA$H” was selected for the prestigious International Competition at the 41st Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France, and it was later showcased in 20 countries. The film was even listed by ‘Sight and Sound’ as one of the top seven short films at Clermont-Ferrand that year.
Her latest short, “Love at Fifty”, was featured at the 2022 Singapore International Film Festival and PÖFF Shorts, and received over half a million views on local media platform ‘Our Grandfather Story’.
For Tan, NYFA is a celebration of filmmaking and a source of community and energy for many aspiring filmmakers. She has twice won Best Directing and Best Editing at NYFA (Open Youth Category). Tan is currently in Taiwan on an intense academy programme to further hone her skills.
NYFA: A PLACE WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE OF
Over the years, it’s evident that NYFA has served as a crucial stepping stone for many young filmmakers, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent and unique storytelling perspectives.
Catching the films at the inaugural SYFF 2024 offers a true testament to the pulse of beginner filmmakers. At SYFF, you’re not just supporting emerging local talent but also witnessing the early work of filmmakers who may achieve international acclaim. SYFF offers a front-row seat to the next wave of Singapore cinema, and it’s a moment not to be missed as these filmmakers continue their journeys.
Image credits: Leon Cheo, Kris Ong, Hariz Zulkifli, Charlotte Hong, Tan Wei Ting.
Loading your next catch.
Loading your next catch.