Singapore – mm2 Entertainment Pte. Ltd. announced that it will launch the Movie Makers Short Film Competition (我要当导演) in Singapore, together with FOX International Channels’ flagship Chinese movies channel, SCM (衛視電影台). This competition is an initiative aimed at developing new talent in the local film industry as well as providing aspiring directors with opportunities to showcase their potential.

“You reap what you sow. For the local film industry to grow and be dynamic, we need to nurture and cultivate young talents,” said Mr Melvin Ang, CEO of mm2 Asia, “Short films are one of the best platforms for aspiring film directors to showcase their talent. This competition will give them a chance to be seen and heard by the most respected movers and shakers in the region’s film industry.”

FIC’s spokesperson, Ms. Cora Yim, Senior Vice President of Chinese Entertainment and Territory Head of Hong Kong said, “SCM is excited to be a part of this meaningful project. We look forward to helping develop and groom creative, young talent for the future of Singapore’s local film industry.”A panel of regional judges will pick the top 3 winners. The panel comprises of acclaimed film practitioners; Singaporean directors Jack Neo (Ah Boys to Men series) and Eric Khoo (My Magic), Malaysian director Chiu Keng Guan (The Journey), Taiwanese director Raymond Jiang (Café. Waiting. Love) and HongKong award-winning actor-producer Gordon Lam (Gallants).

“After so many years of making movies, it is my pleasure to play a part in helping aspiring new directors make their dreams come true,” said Gordon Lam.

“I am excited by the idea of this regional competition as I started off making short films. I look forward to the judging and hopefully I will discover some gems along the way,” said Eric Khoo.

“I enjoy watching short films. Every time I find interesting and touching short films at the festivals, I get very excited,” said Taiwanese director Raymond Jiang, “I hope this short film competition will bring me on another amazing trip.”

The three winners will be awarded cash prizes. There will also be products sponsored by Canon Cinema EOS Systems. The total value of the prizes amount to over S$20,000. The winning films will also be broadcasted in Singapore on FIC’s leading premium Chinese movies channel SCM. In addition, one of the winners will be given the opportunity to produce a feature film with mm2 Entertainment.

“Most world class film directors had humble starts from short films and I look forward to the emergence of future great directors from this competition,” said Chiu Keng Guan.

“I strongly believe in supporting short film competitions, because this is a good place to discover directors and actors with great potential,” said Jack Neo, “Singaporeans should band together to support our own local talents and films.”

Movie Makers Short Film Competition (我要当导演), is open to all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who are 18 years of age as of 1 June 2015. Submissions start on 1 June and ends on 31 July.

Each short film entry must be solely produced for Movie Makers Short Film Competition (我要当导演) and must not be available elsewhere or entered into any other film competitions. The film duration must be under 10 minutes.

Ten finalists will be selected for the Awards Night scheduled in early September, with the top 3 winners announced on the night itself. Details will be released closer to date.