SINGAPORE — For the first time, Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film presents a 3-month long exhibition that hopes to gather film lovers of all backgrounds through screenings, talks, sharing sessions, and a film memorabilia showcase.
Objectifs Cinema: Now Showing showcases the best of Southeast Asian short films across all genres, from narrative, documentary, to experimental. From July 14 to September 11, film lovers can expect to see a rotating series of short films from around Southeast Asia, screened in four parts at the Objectifs Chapel Gallery:
I. Alternative Voices, from July 14 to 27;
II. Southeast Asia Now, from July 28 to Aug. 10;
III. Experimental Shorts, from Aug. 11 to 24; and
IV. Young Guns: Shorts from Film Schools, from Aug. 25 to Sep. 11
Over 30 short films selected from the region will be screened during the exhibition period, including films by award-winning Singaporean filmmakers Boo Junfeng and Kirsten Tan, and Southeast Asian talents such as Martika Ramirez Escobar and Carlo Francisco Manatad, whose works have been recognized internationally. Audiences will also have the opportunity to participate in conversations to learn more about the craft and inspiration behind their iconic works.
For film enthusiasts and cinephiles, there will also be a film memorabilia corner at the exhibition where items such as collectibles, posters, promotional material, and more can be exchanged. Aspiring filmmakers can look forward to attending regular gatherings at Objectifs, where they can connect and network with like-minded individuals in the film community.
Objectifs Cinema: Now Showing aims to set the stage for deeper discussions and a broader understanding of short films from the region. According to Objectifs Senior Manager Leong Puiyee, who manages film programmes and projects at Objectifs, “This showcase is a broad survey of how filmmakers and artists have been using the short film format to tell important stories and push creative boundaries. The selections are from the Objectifs Film Library, an online repository where audiences from all over the world can access more than 300 short films by Southeast Asian filmmakers on demand. Many short films are rarely seen outside of the film festival circuit, so platforms like these ensure that these works can continue to be accessed.”
As a space that champions new and original voices in visual storytelling, the exhibition will close with a showcase of short films by up-and-coming student filmmakers from local film schools like LASALLE College of the Arts and Ngee Ann Polytechnic. “Since the early years of its founding, Objectifs has been affiliated with the region’s film scene as a producer, exhibitor and distributor. Objectifs Cinema: Now Showing reflects our efforts to respond to the changes in how short films have been made and seen, and the importance of making space for filmmakers to continue experimenting with this vital art form,” said Emmeline Yong, Co-Founder and Director of Objectifs.
The exciting, immersive film exhibition promises to be a treat for all film lovers and filmmakers alike. Admission to the exhibition is free. Registration is required for the public programmes at https://www.objectifs.com.sg/objectifs-cinema.
