LOCAL film 881, directed by Royston Tan, has been chosen by the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) as Singapore's official entry to the Academy for Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' Best Foreign Language Film Award.
The film is a musical with a 'quintessentially Singapore' theme.
It tells the story of the Papaya Sisters who grew up mesmerised by the glitter and glamour of the ge tai (song stage); and went on to become two of the showiest performers on the circuit.
'Of the film submissions that we had received from the industry, 881 was the unanimous choice by the SFC Board Members,' said SFC chairman Jennie Chua.
'The film presents a part of the rich and colourful street culture of Singapore which is hardly seen by the world and provides a window to showcase our unique heritage to the international audience.'
Supported by the Media Development Authority (MDA), Tan's third feature film is already the highest grossing Asian movie in Singapore to date for 2007, said MDA.
It surpassed the previous record by fellow filmmaker Jack Neo's Just Follow Law at $2.77 million.
'Having grossed over S$3.2 million since opening at the local screens on August 8, the film has joined the ranks of a select group of local movies which have crossed the S$3 million mark in Singapore,' said MDA.
The SFC's call for entries to the Academy Awards closed on Sept 3, after which the submissions were evaluated by the SFC Board Members.
'It is remarkable how the production team managed to create such a wonderful visual treat and touching human story on a relatively modest budget and within a very short span of time,' said SFC director Man Shu Sum.
' It is a testament to the Singapore film industry's capabilities and a fitting submission to the Academy.'
- The Straits Times, 19/09/07
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