ciNE65 - Short Film Competition Unveils New Batch of Winners

Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chin Sing (right) and Director Nexus COL Roland Ng (left) with the winners of the Overall Best Film in the Open and Student Categories.

With a record bumper crop of 166 submission entries, ciNE65 once again recognises film-making talents in Singapore

The second season of short film competition ciNE65 (ciNE65 II) concluded this evening at Golden Village Grand, Great World City with short films "Priceless" winning the "Overall Best Film" and "Best Screenplay" in the Open Category and "Going Away" winning the "Overall Best Film" in the Student Category. Both teams walked away with the grand prize of an overseas learning trip to a regional film festival in addition to cash prizes and Panasonic cameras. Short film "Honey" won the Favourite Film award, which was determined by public voting. The Inter-School Challenge Trophy, a new award this season, went to Temasek Polytechnic, which submitted the highest number of quality entries in the Student Category.

13 other awards were presented for Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Favourite Actor and Favourite Actress.

Speaking at the Awards Ceremony, Guest-of-Honour Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing said that he was heartened by the response to the competition as it showed that people cared and wanted to contribute. Expressing his views on this season's entries, Mr Chan said, "Many of the ciNE65's films relate to me personally and deeply. They revolve around the themes of family, friends, care for fellow Singaporeans, commitment to Singapore's defence and love for this place called home. Some brought back long-forgotten memories for me, some touched my heart and some made me laugh. The quality of the films submitted was truly impressive. They reflected the deep thought and effort that participants put into making their films. More importantly, they have engaged us at all levels where it matters most and that is our hearts."

With the theme "I'll Be There For You, Singapore", ciNE65 II attracted 166 film entries across three categories - Jury's Choice Awards, Audience Choice Award and the Inter-School Challenge. This was more than double that of the inaugural run in 2011, which received 72 entries.

Kenny Tan, director of "Priceless" shared that his thoughts on clinching the "Best Overall Film" and "Best Screenplay". He said "It's a good encouragement for myself and for my team. It boosts our confidence to make more films." Similarly, Tariq Mansor, Director of "Going Away", the overall best film in the student category, said "it is a very honourable thing because a lot of good submissions were nominated and it feels good to come on top above the rest. It's a very proud moment."

Launched in February 2013, ciNE65 II aims to strengthen the emotional connection of our people to Singapore through film. It also serves as a unique platform to recognise and nurture film-making talents, thereby contributing towards the development of the local short film scene.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing (second from right) speaking with the winners of the Overall Best Film in the Student Category.

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Speech by Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Chan Chun Sing at ciNE65 Awards Ceremony