Zhao Wei Films is one of Singapore’s leading production houses, and has made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival with 12 Storeys, Be With Me, and My Magic.
Zhao Wei Films
About the project:
Helmed by Eric Khoo and James Toh, Zhao Wei Films is committed to the nurturing of local talent. Its maiden film, Mee Pok Man (Venice, Berlin), paved the way for the resurgence of filmmaking in Singapore. 12 Storeys followed, being the first Singapore film to be invited to the renowned Cannes Film Festival.
With MDA's support:
My Magic – a heartwarming father-and-son story –was assisted by the MDA’s film industry support arm, the Singapore Film Commission, for the film transfer and travel to the Cannes Film Festival 2008, where it was screened as part of the main competition and in contention for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize. Previously, the SFC also supported Zhao Wei’s other features, such as 4:30, One Leg Kicking and 15, all of which enjoyed domestic commercial runs.
Outcome:
12 Storeys was the first Singapore film to be invited to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Zhao Wei Films has since produced Royston Tan's 15 (Venice, Sundance), 4:30 (Berlin, Rome, Hawaii) and 881. Eric Khoo’s Be With Me was selected to be the opening film of the Directors’ Fortnight programme at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. It was released internationally and won several international awards (Torino, Stockholm).
My Magic was an official selection at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival – an outstanding achievement and high point for Zhao Wei Films. My Magic was also Singapore's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Award at the 81st Academy Awards.