Singapore Int'l Film Festival to make comeback

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SINGAPORE -- The Singapore International Film Festival will make a comeback next year after a two-year break, Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim said on Wednesday.

Its 25th edition will be held at the end of 2014, alongside the Asian Television Awards, Asia Television Forum and ScreenSingapore in a week-long event.

Yuni Hadi, co-producer of the award-winning film Ilo Ilo, will be appointed festival director.

"With the success of 'Ilo Ilo,' people are focusing on and highlighting Singapore talents. It's very important for countries to have a festival they can call their own, to not only showcase Southeast Asian talents but also their own talents," Yuni said.

The film festival will also revive the Silver Screen Awards, which have been instrumental in launching the careers of some of Singapore's most notable filmmakers.

More than 900 companies took part in this year's Asia TV Forum organized alongside ScreenSingapore.

Ilo Ilo, directed by 29-year-old Anthony Chen, has garnered numerous awards at different film festivals, including the Best New Director and Best Original Screenplay at the recent 50th Golden Horse Awards in Taipei, creating a buzz in Singapore.