The third edition of the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival (SgSAIFF) came to a close on September 7 with the world premier screening of the Akshaye Khanna-Richa Chadda starrer Section 375. The film festival, which is devoted to a greater appreciation of South Asian cinema and culture, also handed out awards at the close of the week long celebration.
Also watch: Akshaye Khanna speaks to Connected to India
Directed by Ajay Bahl, Section 375, which is based on rape laws in India and sheds light on Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, received great love and appreciation from the audience at the film festival, ending with a loud round of applause.
Supported by the Singapore Indian High Commission (IHC) the festival showcases feature films, short films and documentaries under two sections – Competition, wherein titles from South Asia compete for an award, and Non-Competition (Showcase), wherein South East Asian films are screened.
Among the award winners this year were:
Best Film: Mai Ghat: Crime No. 103/2005
Best Actor (Male): Indrans for Veyil Marangal (Trees Under the Sun)
Best Actor (Female): Lima Das for Aamis
Best Director: Sumitra Bhave for Dithee and Bhaskar Hazarika for Aamis
Best Cinematography: Alponse Roy for Mai Ghat: Crime No. 103/2005
Best Editing: Ananth Narayan Mahadevan for Mai Ghat: Crime No. 103/2005
Best Screenplay: Mragendra Singh for Normal
Jury Award: KD and Kathaah@8
The festival screened 45 foreign films from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bhutan, Singapore, Bangladesh and Iran this year.