In conjunction with Singapore’s 50-year milestone in 2015, Discovery Channel today launched the FIRST TIME FILMMAKERS (FTFM) SINGAPORE documentary project, calling aspiring Singaporean filmmakers to submit original ideas that capture Singapore’s unique DNA and what makes the country tick. Themed “The Singapore Story”, the resulting documentaries will pay tribute to the enduring Singapore spirit, people, innovations, culture and history, and will premiere on Discovery Channel across the Asia-Pacific region next year.
An initiative of Discovery Channel – one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands and the flagship channel in Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific’s (DNAP) portfolio, FTFM SINGAPORE aims to provide local filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent, and gain exposure and recognition on an international level through hands-on training and professional development from the channel’s award-winning producers. From the proposals received, 12 will be shortlisted. Finalists will be required to attend a three-day production workshop in Singapore in October, following which five filmmakers will be selected to produce a 30-minute documentary each – with full funding and production guidance from Discovery Channel.
Arjan Hoekstra, President and Managing Director, DNAP said, “As Singapore approaches a significant milestone, what better way to honour this nation than through stories and memories of her journey over the last five decades, captured through the lens and perspectives of the very people who have been at the heart of her continued success. In addition, Discovery Channel’s FTFM SINGAPORE initiative underscores our commitment to helping foster local filmmaking talent, and providing them with a platform to realise their visions on the world stage.”
FTFM SINGAPORE is open to all Singapore citizens and permanent residents regardless of their location. For additional details and to participate, visit www.ftfm.sg. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2014.
The FTFM initiative represents an ongoing effort by Discovery Channel to support the documentary industry, provide opportunities for non-fiction filmmakers in the region and showcase local stories of culture and people to the world. Within the industry, FTFM has already become one of the most prestigious and reputable competitions. Since its launch in Asia-Pacific in 2000, over 30 first time filmmakers in the region have realised their dreams of bringing their ideas to life. Filmmakers from Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan and China have received recognition on the international stage and several of their films have won international awards.
