We’re heading into the last few months of the year, and that means it’s time to get excited for the Singapore International Film Festival. Now into its 27th edition, the showcase of international films is set to open with Interchange, a fantasy noir thriller by Malaysian filmmaker Dain Iskandar Said. Making its Asian premiere at the annual event, the film has already been screened to positive receptions at the Toronto Film Festival and the Locarno International Film Festival.
A result of Dain’s interest in noir films and folklore, the Indonesian-Malaysian collab is actually inspired by real events that took place a century ago, when Norwegian explorer Carl Lumholtz trekked across central Borneo between 1913 and 1917. One of the iconic photos he snapped was of a gathering of tribal women bathing in a river to cleanse themselves of the ‘evil’ that they believed was upon them after they had their photos taken.
This third feature title by Dain follows troubled forensics photographer Adam (Iedil Putra) and his detective colleague Man (Shaheizy Sam) as they delve into the series of enigmatic, morbid ritual murders taking place throughout the Malaysian metropolis. When Adam’s new neighbour, a shaman named Iva (Prisia Nasution), joins the duo, things get dark and strange, and the supernatural mystery intensifies.
If this sounds like the sort of story that intrigues you, pencil November 23 into your calendar. And watch this space for updates on the fest.
Singapore International Film Festival is from Nov 23-Dec 4 at various venues, including Shaw Theatres Lido, The Arts House Screening Room and National Museum of Singapore Gallery Theatre. Ticket sales open on Oct 28.
