Fortissimo Films in Singaporean Initiative

CANNES: Fortissimo Films is working with Singapore’s Media Development Authority to develop, finance and distribute a broad range of feature films, spanning the action, adventure, thriller and fantasy genres.

The MDA-Fortissimo Film Development Initiative (FDI) will also support titles in 3D. Selected projects will benefit from Fortissimo’s development assistance and international sales and distribution expertise. The first title to be supported by the pact is Camera, a noir thriller set in Hong Kong and Singapore, directed by James Leong.  “This initiative is designed to give both Singaporean filmmakers and non-Singaporean producers a fast track through the process of developing their projects and accessing the varied and combined resources of the MDA and Fortissimo," said Michael Werner, chairman of Fortissimo. "The focus is on quality films with strong commercial attributes. The goal is to green light between 3 to 5 films in the first year of the program.”

“Fortissimo’s unique skill and reputation in nurturing emerging filmmaking talent and securing international markets for independent films complements the MDA’s continual efforts to encourage the growth of Singaporean filmmakers and media companies," said Dr. Christopher Chia, CEO of the MDA. "Moreover, Fortissimo and its chairman Michael J Werner has been a longtime friend to Singapore; from sitting on the selection panel for the Singapore Film Commission’s New Feature Film Fund, to championing Boo Junfeng’s debut film Sandcastle, to joining the ScreenSingapore Board. The establishment of the FDI expands upon this long-time collaboration and, together, we look forward to producing internationally marketable projects that will resonate with audiences worldwide."

The call for entries begins July 1. Projects should have some financing in place, and preference will be given to films with higher above-the-line involvement by Singapore companies. The deadline is December 31.