Local films to be screened on free—to—air TV, arts venues as part of "Watch Local"

SINGAPORE: Film buffs can look forward to enjoying a wide repertoire of all—time—favourites as well as some rare and iconic Singapore films at arts venues and on free—to—air television.

It is all part of "Watch Local", a nearly two—month initiative (from October 25 to December 15) by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and industry partners to drive local appreciation and support of Singaporean films.

28 Singaporean films will be screened, with genres ranging from drama, comedy to action thrillers.

Golden Village’s GV Grand, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film, and The Arts House will screen 20 local titles.

Film buffs can catch the films either free, or on a ticketed basis. Tickets can be purchased at www.gv.com.sg and www.bytes.sg. Registration is required for free screenings at Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film.

MediaCorp will screen eight local films on weekends in November, on Okto and Channel 8.

The SFC said public appetite for local films is increasing, with statistics showing that box office revenue for local films from 2010 to 2011 has risen by 64 per cent.

Beyond consumption, more local films, averaging 10 to 15, are being produced yearly by Singapore directors with support from initiatives such as the MDA Grant Schemes and the New Talent Feature Grant initiated by the SFC in 2012.

—CNA/ac