Singapore’s Long-form Content Grant nurtures the next generation of filmmaking talent

In the realm of filmmaking, collaboration has the power to transcend borders and create narratives that strike a chord with audiences across the world. Tiger Stripes, an eight-country co-production, is one such feat. At the heart of this cinematic triumph is Spanish-born, Singapore-based producer Fran Borgia, who founded his own independent production company, Akanga Film Asia, in 2005. 

The visionary producer with a knack of partnering with breakthrough directors, has added a number of award-winning films to his portfolio over the last 18 years. These projects have fostered collaborations between filmmakers from different countries, leading to co-productions that resonate with global audiences. This is especially true of his most recent venture, Tiger Stripes, which earned the highest accolade – the Grand Prize – at the illustrious 62nd Cannes International Critics’ Week (La Semaine de la Critique of Festival de Cannes), a part of the 76th Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes).

Behind the scenes of Fran’s filmmaking journey

Fran has been an integral part of Singapore’s evolving film industry, having witnessed its transformation from a time when talented filmmakers lacked as many opportunities, to the thriving hub it is today. Crucial to this transformation has been the significant support from IMDA in the form of business grants, and the nurturing of professionals in Singapore’s media industry.

Fran's own portfolio as a producer boasts a collection of highly acclaimed films that have graced prestigious festivals globally. These include Boo Junfengʼs Apprentice (Un Certain Regard, 69th Cannes Film Festival) and K. Rajagopal’s A Yellow Bird (International Critics’ Week, 69th Cannes Film Festival), which he co-produced with his protégé, Jeremy Chua. Jeremy is the founder of Pōtocol, and the award-winning producer behind Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, that won the prestigious Camera d’Or award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. Singapore movie-maker Jow Zhi Wei’s Tomorrow is a Long Time (Generation 14plus Competition, Berlinale 2023), Indonesian independent director Kamila Andini’s Yuni (Platform Prize, Toronto International Film Festival 2021), and Singaporean film director Yeo Siew Hua’s A Land Imagined (Golden Leopard, Locarno Film Festival 2018) are a few other outstanding films that Fran is noted for. These directors share a common thread, shedding light on a variety of socio-cultural diversities through a candid and contemporary lens; a perspective that resonates deeply with Fran.

The roar of Southeast Asian co-production cinema

As Fran’s fifth film to premiere at Cannes, Tiger Stripes has further strengthened his reputation as a master collaborator in the film industry. The debut film of Malaysian filmmaker, Amanda Nell Eu, Tiger Stripes is a collaboration between France, Germany, Indonesia, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, and The Netherlands. 

Tiger Stripes served as the perfect stage to showcase the wealth of local talent  involved in its production. On working with Singaporean talent, Fran said, “We wanted to work with sound designer Lim Ting Li from the very beginning. We also brought in special makeup artist June Goh, who did a great job as well.” Lim Ting Li crafted an immersive auditory landscape that enhanced the film's narrative impact, while the exceptional character design and visual representation by June Goh further enriched the cinematic experience. Line producer Tan Ai Leng, assistant producers Shirmaine Ong and Goh Lin Yuan, and post-production supervisor Janice Lim all played crucial roles in the successful co-production of this coming-of-age story of a teenager.

Building bridges through film, empowering co-productions

Despite its small size, Singapore has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in global cinema. Fran attributes this to a strong pool of storytellers and government support, specifically IMDA’s Long-form Content Grant, previously known as the Southeast Asia Co-Production Grant (SCPG). This business grant provides filmmakers with the much-needed financial support to encourage collaborations between Singapore and Southeast Asian countries.

As one of the first recipients of the grant, Fran attests to its collaborative powers, highlighting how the grant has given Akanga Film Asia a strong support mechanism to seize opportunities in this dynamic cinematic landscape.

The grant, a part of the Media Talent Progression Programme, fosters cross-cultural exchanges, enhances the quality and diversity of content, and promotes the growth of the film and media industry in the region. “IMDA’s support was instrumental to the financing and helped to not only bring in Singapore talent but also to position the film as an international co-production,” Fran shared, expressing how cross-cultural partnerships with other film industry leaders in the region allowed him and his team to grow artistically. His words highlight the transformative impact of the IMDA grant, underscoring the immense potential it holds for filmmakers and the industry across the region.

Taking cross-border collaborations to the international silver screen

Regional co-productions are gaining momentum¹, fuelled by support from IMDA and Singapore Film Commission (SFC)'s Long-form Content Grant. Continued support for producers like Fran ensures robust collaborations both within and beyond the region, while opening doors for Singapore’s aspiring filmmakers.

Learn how IMDA supports the local media ecosystem here.