“Stranger Eyes” up for Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival

1. Singapore's film industry is set to make an impact at the prestigious Venice Film Festival 2024, among the top-tier of international film festivals, with two films up for awards. "Stranger Eyes," a captivating mystery thriller directed by award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Chris Yeo Siew Hua, has been shortlisted for the Golden Lion, marking a historic first for Singapore. Additionally, "Don’t Cry Butterfly" is set to premiere at the Venice Critics' Week, further solidifying Singapore's presence on the international film stage.

2. Both "Stranger Eyes" and "Don’t Cry Butterfly" have received support from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) through the Long-form Content Grant – Go Global and Southeast Asia (SEA) Co-Production Grant, respectively, under the Media Talent Progression Programme.

3. Congratulating the films on their recognition at the prestigious festival, Justin Ang, Assistant Chief Executive of Media, Innovation, Communications and Marketing, IMDA said, “The success of 'Stranger Eyes' and 'Don’t Cry Butterfly' at the Venice Film Festival 2024 is a continuation of our film industry’s growing success in major film festivals around the world. This recognition will elevate the international visibility of Singaporean films and serve as an inspiration to all our aspiring filmmakers. We take immense pride in the exceptional film talents in Singapore, who have demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level."

4. Helmed by award-winning Singaporean director, Chris Yeo Siew Hua, “Stranger Eyes” is the first ever Singapore film competing for the Golden Lion in the festival’s main competition. It is a mystery thriller set in Singapore that centres on a young father, whose baby daughter has disappeared. He suspects the involvement of his neighbour and takes steps to prove his guilt. The film features an international cast including Taiwanese actors Wu Chien-ho and Lee Kang-Sheng. The film is produced by Fran Borgia, known for his involvement in multiple award-winning films, including "Tiger Stripes," which secured the Grand Prize at the Cannes Critics Week 2023. The film has been picked up by France’s Playtime (notable past titles include Cannes Grand Prix 2017 winning 120BPM and Oscar-winning Son of Saul) for international sales.

5. “Don’t Cry Butterfly” directed by Duong Dieu Linh and produced by Singaporean Tan Si-En of Momo Film Co will be competing in the Venice Critic’s Week, an independent section dedicated to showcasing debut films from new and emerging directors. The film delves into the narrative of a housewife who, upon discovering her husband's infidelity on national television, turns to magic in a bid to rekindle his affection. However, delving into the realm of the mystical arts brings about its own unforeseen consequences. The film has been picked up by South Korea’s Barunson E&A (notable past titles include Bong Joon-ho’s Mother and Parasite) for world sales rights.

6. The inclusion of these films at the Venice Film Festival 2024 marks a significant milestone for Singapore's film industry, underscoring the nation's growing influence and creative prowess on the global cinematic stage.

7. For the complete line-up of the 81st Venice International Film Festival please visit http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/

8. Please refer to Annex A (408.40KB) for more information about the Media Talent Progression Programme (MTPP).

9. Please refer to Annex B (590.19KB) for Key Milestones of Singaporean Films at the Venice International Film Festival