Zhang Ziyi, John Woo, Juliette Binoche & Tong Dawei In Singapore For The Opening Of SGIFF 2014

Hi Huneybees,

Woohoo! I got to see one of my favourite movie director last night at the opening of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)! I was hoping white doves would fly by and we would be drawing out our guns at each other. *Just to act out his signature moves in his movies. Hehehehe...*

SGIFF 2014 opened last night with an extravagant red carpet night. Not only was the world-renowned auteur John Woo there, actresses Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) and Juliette Binoche and actor Tong Dawei (佟大為) graced the red carpet as a local film - Unlucky Plaza, made it to be the Opening Film for the first time.

Mike Wiluan receiving the baton as SGIFF Chairman

The local celebs took the red carpet first, followed by the cast of Unlucky Plaza - Epy Quizon, Adrian Pang, Judee Tan, Pam Oei and Shane Mardjuki., alongside Ken Kwek, director of the film. 

 

SGIFF Board member Elim Chew (founder and president of 77th Street) is joined by Oilivia Ong and YY Low (Co-owner of Hadara Aesthetics)

For the second half of the red carpet, was the highly anticipated arrival of the stars from Clouds of Sils Marja (Sils Marja) - Juliette Binoche as well as the director and cast from The Crossing. Juliette's flight was delayed, but she still arrived in style, decked in a lovely blue gown and red stilettos, she warmly greets her fans who has been waiting all evening...

Juliette is here for the Singaporean premiere of Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria (Sils Maria), that is screened in conjunction with 4th Rendezvous with French Cinema. Tickets for the film have already been sold out.

Finally, it was time for Tong Dawei and Zhang Ziyi to make their appearance. Arriving in style, both actors talked about their role in the movie - The Crossing as well as shared their experience working together alongside director - John Woo. Tong was also joined by Wahyuni Hadi, SGIFF Executive Director on stage.

“The next 10 days will be filled with nearly 150 screenings of films from 50 countries across 11 sections. We will play host to more than 100 visiting guests from the Asia region and abroad, and this include highly acclaimed directors, actors, actresses, as well as new and upcoming emerging talent from the Southeast Asia region. 

Above all, the next 10 days will also see the exchange of meaningful conversations among filmmakers. Because SGIFF is not just an avenue of entertainment to filmgoers but more importantly, it provokes thought, stirs emotions, and makes one think outside the frame." --- Wahyuni Hadi, SGIFF Executive Director

Next up was the gorgeous Zhang Ziyi in a floor sweeping red gown, but the blings on her were more of the highlight as she greets her fans and is joined by John Woo. Woo also brought his family over, shining light on his daughter who also acted in The Crossing.

Woo has been making movies for over 40 years including A Better Tomorrow and The Killer in the 1980s, as well as a series of box office hits such as Broken Arrow, Face/Off, and Mission: Impossible II. He will also be conducting a master class for the public on 5 December 2014.

The Crossing opens today in cinema. It tells of an epic love story spanning half a century of modern Chinese history, with 3 different love stories to follow, everyone will definitely be able to find one to relate to. The film also stars - Takeshi Kaneshiro, Song Hye-kyo and Huang Xiaoming.

SGIFF, which kicked off today until 14, focuses on groundbreaking Asian cinema and discovering new film talents from Southeast Asia. SGIFF is known for its dynamic film programming and commitment to the development of a vibrant local film culture.

For more details, please visit the SGIFF website at www.sgiff.com.

Here's more photos from last night...

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

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