Singapore’s government-backed film bodies head for Cannes this month clearly hoping to follow last year’s festival success with recognition of the country’s participation in eight-party co-pro, “Viet and Nam”, and director Chiang Wei Liang’s international project, “Mongrel”.

Six other films head for Cannes as part of the “made-with-Singapore” showcase at the joint Singapore-Philippines’ pavilion, including Robot Playground Media’s “The Violinist”, Momo Films’ “Don’t Cry, Butterfly”, and Chai Yee Wei’s “Wonderland”.  

“Viet and Nam” is competing in the Un Certain Regard section, and “Mongrel”, directed by Chiang Wei Liang, screens in the Directors’ Fortnight.

This year’s Cannes Film Festival opens on 14 May.

Directed by Vietnam’s Truong Minh Quy, “Viet and Nam” is the story of two young coal miners, who cherish fleeting moments underground knowing that one of them will soon leave for a new life across the sea. But before that, the two need to find the remains of Nam’s solder father, whose remains lie in a far off forest.  

The countries involved in producing “Viet and Nam” are France, Germany,  Italy, Malaysia, Netherlands, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and the U.S.

“Mongrel” is directed by Singapore’s Chiang Wei Liang and produced out of Singapore,Taiwan and France.  

The film is about a man who, despite no papers or formal training, has the gift of care. When his situation caring for the elderly and disabled becomes too much for him, he has to choose: survival or dignity.  

Both films received grants from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and InfocommMedia Development Authority’s (IMDA), along with support from other countries, including Taiwan and France.

Two short films directed by Singaporeans are “Withered Blossoms” by Lionel Seah, competing in the La Cinef (formerly Cinefondation); and “Cold Cut” by Tan Siyou, screening as part of a special programme under Directors’ Fortnight.