Singapore-based Momo Film Co has recently unveiled an exciting lineup of six films, featuring projects from prize-winning filmmakers at prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Locarno. With its inclusion in the 2024 Berlinale Co-Production Market’s company matching program, Momo is set to make its mark on the international film scene.
A Dark Comedy-Horror Film: “The Drought”
Fresh off its success with Nelson Yeo’s debut feature “Dreaming & Dying,” which earned two wins at Locarno 2023, Momo continues its collaboration with the Singaporean filmmaker for his upcoming sophomore feature, “The Drought.” Set in a time of drought, this dark comedy-horror film promises to captivate audiences with its unique storyline. It was recognized at the Philippines QCinema project market, where it received a well-deserved prize.
An Absurdist Vietnam-set Drama: “At the Edge of the Sea”
Anh Le, the producer of Cannes’ Camera d’Or winner “Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell,” makes her feature debut with “At the Edge of the Sea.” This absurdist Vietnam-set drama tells the story of men afflicted by a peculiar disease. Anh Le, an alumnus of Locarno Open Doors and Rotterdam Lab, showcased her short film “Goodnight Baby” at the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) 2023, further establishing her unique creative voice.
Two Runaway Souls in Singapore: “Other People’s Dreams”
The fifth feature from Daniel Hui, whose film “Small Hours of the Night” premiered at Rotterdam 2024, explores the journey of two runaway souls escaping a dark past in the chaos of Singapore. This intriguing project was presented at Rotterdam’s CineMart, generating significant buzz within the industry.
Co-Production Projects: Philippines and Cambodia
Momo’s co-production projects involve collaborations with talented filmmakers from the Philippines and Cambodia. Filipino director Arvin Belarmino’s debut film “Ria” delves into the story of a folk-punk woman who supports her chronically ill foster mother while defending their punk commune. Amidst the ruins of a land-grabbed neighborhood, their punk commune stands as the only surviving home. Belarmino’s exceptional talent earned him selection at the 2022 Festival De Cannes Cinéfondation La Residence, followed by the Centre National du Cinema (CNC) award. He has recently been chosen for the Cannes’ Directors Fortnight Factory 2024 program.
Filipino editor and audiovisual artist Gabriella Serrano, renowned for her SGIFF-winning short film “Dikit,” brings us “Please Bear With Me,” a sci-fi film set in a near-future Philippines where the ability to dream has been lost. This thought-provoking project is a collaboration between Archipelago (Philippines) and Momo, with Gale Osorio and Momo’s managing director Tan Si En as the producers.
Cambodian filmmaker Danech San, known for her award-winning shorts “A Million Years” and “Sunrise in My Mind,” embarks on her feature debut with “To Leave, To Stay.” The film follows a girl on the brink of adulthood as she visits a remote rocky island to meet a soldier she encountered online. However, weeks later, the soldier goes missing. Daniel Mattes will produce for Anti-Archive (Cambodia) alongside Tan for Momo.
Southeast Asian Stories: A Treasure Trove of Great Films
Momo’s managing director, Tan Si En, expressed excitement at the opportunity to work on these remarkable films, each with its own unique voice. Tan emphasized the trust that the filmmakers have placed in Momo to tell their beautiful stories. Believing firmly in the abundance of great stories in Southeast Asia, Momo Film Co is eager to share these films with the world.
To learn more about Momo Film Co’s exciting projects at the Berlin Market, visit the F5 Magazine website.
Source link: Momo Berlin Market Slate