Singapore chooses ‘Ajoomma’ as the work to submit to the international Oscars – The Hollywood Reporter

Singapore Film Commission selected He Shuming to co-produce Singapore-Korea Ajoommaproduced by influential city-state artist Anthony Chen, entered the category of best international film at the 2023 Oscars.

His directorial debut, the film follows a middle-aged widow’s obsession with Korean pop culture and her journey of self-discovery as she goes on a trip to Korea. Country.

Ajoomma will have its world premiere during the Busan International Film Festival’s New Flow competition, which runs from October 5-14.

Produced by Chen’s Giraffe Pictures and co-produced by South Korea’s Lee Joonhan, the film is supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) New Director grant. Beijing-based Rediance handles international purchases. Two of Chen’s previous works as a director, Ilo Ilo (2013) and Rainy season (2019), was sent by Singapore to previous editions of the Oscars.

Although not yet released, Ajoomma won a few titles. The film received four nominations for the upcoming Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, including best new director, best original screenplay, and best actress for veteran Singaporean actress Hong Huifang. and best supporting actor for Korean artist Jung Dong-hwan.

The film will open in cinemas in Singapore on October 27 through Golden Village Pictures.

Chen said in a statement: “Giraffe Pictures is honored to fly the flag once again as Singapore’s Oscar nominee with He Shuming’s captivating debut. Ajoomma. We’ve only just begun our film’s journey and look forward to bringing laughter and tears to our audiences far and wide. This is definitely the Singapore movie of the year worth watching! “