On top of the cash prizes, the aspiring filmmakers will also realise the ultimate dream of seeing their own films gracing the silver screen and entertaining mass audiences. All four winning short films will be screened on Cathay Cineplexes` circuit for a period of four weeks in 2014. In its second year currently, Cathay Organisation`s annual short film competition saw a robust 120 per cent increase in participation with a total of 109 entries, compared to the 49 entries received in 2012. More than half of the participants from the 109 teams were below the age of 24, with the youngest participant being 17 years old. About 90 per cent of the participants were also taking part in the competition for the first time.
Jack Neo, Founder, CEO and Director of J Team Productions and one of the judges for the competition said: “The short film submissions for this year were very interesting. The participants were very creative with the way they portrayed the competition`s theme of ‘Tomorrow`. While watching the films, I felt that they reflected the kind of talent that the industry needs filmmakers who can present new ideas successfully.
The panel of judges, formed by esteemed members of the local film industry, shared that the competition has indeed identified an emerging trend in the next generation of filmmakers.
“A lot of the entries actually point to a new type of filmmaking that is emerging. This is not the traditional film set where there are a lot of cameras, equipment and crew. Now you have what is basically consumer equipment, where there is much less pressure, so you can get better performance out of non-professional actors. We are at a very unique time in filmmaking; the idea of being able to make your own film is easier now than ever before. My advice is to grab a camera, get out there, and do it. Whether you shoot your film with your mobile phone and edit it on your iPad, or shoot it on a digital SLR, I think the quality of what can be done now, with zero budget, is that everyone`s as good as what`s coming out of Hollywood. Ultimately, it all comes down to the kind of ideas you have and the stories you want to tell, said Stuart McAra, Executive Producer for Industrial, Light & Magic, another judge on the panel. Stuart has worked on top-grossing films such as Iron Man 2 (2010), Marvel`s The Avengers (2012) and Star Trek, Into Darkness (2013).
Team Ayam Man which received the coveted Best Motion Picture award comprises members Randy Ang, Adam Tun-Aung and Mavis Kuang. All of them are in their thirties and have experience in the industry. First-time participants in the Cathay Motion Picture Awards, the team struck gold with Ayam Man a light-hearted animated short film merging the superhero genre with the theme of Tomorrow.
“Ayam Man is the chicken of tomorrow, Randy explained. “It is inspired by how Superman is known as the man of tomorrow. In this short film, Ayam Man returns to Earth to embark on an epic adventure as he fights to keep a promise to his beloved, and also to face the wrath of his arch nemesis.
Randy shared that the prize money will be distributed amongst the team members to offset the production cost, and also to take a short break together. He said: “It was really a big surprise for us as we were not expecting to win. Going forward, we hope to hone our craft further by participating in more filmmaking competitions, and continue with our personal projects.
The top 15 films were showcased during the awards ceremony last night. The entries reflected the creativity and resourcefulness of the shortlisted teams. The 1st Runner-Up, Reality by Team Lawliepop Offset, made use of impressive special effects to embellish their futuristic story of a couple who kept secrets from each other.
Many participants found the competition to be a valuable experience which would help them in future filmmaking endeavours. Sufyan Sam`an, one of the members of Team Redream which produced the Viewers` Choice winner Child said, “Cathay Motion Picture Awards 2013 was indeed a grueling and fun experience. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions all cramped up within 78 hours!
Child received a total of 1,070 votes on the competition website, out of more than 4,200 public votes received over a period of 20 days.
“We`re incredibly honoured to have the support of the aspiring filmmakers who participated in the Cathay Motion Picture Awards 2013 and are heartened by the high quality of the short film entries. Cathay Organisation is proud to use our assets in cinema exhibition as the platform for these filmmakers to showcase their talents. Being able to pioneer the path as the first and only movie exhibitor in Singapore to organise a short film competition also gives us another reason to celebrate on this happy occasion of Cathay`s 78th anniversary, said Suhaimi Rafdi, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Organisation. “We hope to continue to fulfill our commitment towards the development of Singapore`s film industry through this annual competition.
The Cathay Motion Picture Awards will continue to be an annual signature event for Cathay Organisation. Lee Thean-jeen, local writer-director and one of the judges on the panel concluded: “Overall, what the participants managed to do very well, was to convey their concepts within a very interesting narrative in the short time that they had. The production quality was very good as well. I felt very impressed by the way the films were shot, acted out and edited. The finalists for this year definitely set the bar very high. I advise participants for next year to come prepared with a good story and also think about the production value and how the films will be shot and edited. Good luck!
Cathay Motion Picture Awards 2013 Hall of Fame
Best Motion Picture Ayam Man by Team Ayam Man
1st Runner-Up Reality by Team Lawliepop Offset
2nd Runner-Up Pause for Tomorrow by Team P2
Viewers` Choice Child by Team Redream
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