The Sutherland Award recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut. The festival announced the winner calling the film ” a devastating study of a modern affluent family and its vulnerabilities.” The Jury President Elizabeth Karlson read the jury citation: “The startlingly assured direction and screenwriting of the winning film surprised us all. Anthony Chen`s Ilo Ilo also chose a domestic canvas, but the imaginative and innovative voice of this filmmaker elevated the film technically and narratively, and made us wonder at the fragile nature of family life in this modern Singapore tale.”
“What a beautiful surprise! Every disaster so far results in something beautiful. Perhaps I can afford a few more disasters?” Anthony Chen says.
Referring to the cancellation of the film`s screening at the festival, Ilo Ilo had a replacement screening on 16 October after cancellation due to technical difficulties leading to an hour wait for audiences. Sound designer and mixer Zhe Wu and director Anthony Chen were in attendance. Regarding the cancellation Anthony said, “Completely gutted about the cancellation… haven`t experienced anything like this in all my years attending LFF [London Film Festival]. Organisers did a test run and it was fine… nobody knows why or how. Hoping [editor] and Zhe [sound designer] also very shattered. Very, very sorry to disappoint all who turned up – 400 strong crowd came to watch but first ten minutes the sound was out of sync, then had to wait for an hour before it was announced that the screening was cancelled. Festival director rushed over to make announcement to the public and to apologise… LFF is working hard on replacement screening, and fingers crossed Sunday 13 October screening will be awesome and best ever. Life goes on…”
Bangkok-based Producer Yuni Hadi was awakened by the good news this morning because of the time difference. “The best way to wake up to a Sunday with such wonderful news. Anthony`s been based in London for a few years now and for him to receive recognition there means a lot. We`re humbled by all the awards we have received but also excited about the future.”
Ilo Ilo is nominated for 6 awards at the Taipei Golden Horse Awards making the film the most nominated Singapore film at this awards:
Best Feature Film
Best New Director (for Anthony Chen)
Best Supporting Actress (for Yeo Yann Yann)
Best Supporting Actor (for Chen Tianwen)
Best New Performer (for Koh Jia Ler)
Best Original Screenplay (for Anthony Chen)