The co-production between Singapore and Korea is a story about an older widow’s fascination with Korean pop culture, and her journey of discovery when she takes an excursion to Seoul.
The Singapore Film Commission has picked He Shuming’s co-production between Singapore and Korea Ajoomma which was directed by the influential city-state auteur Anthony Chen, as its submission to the most prestigious world feature category of the 2023 Oscars.
His feature debut directorial debut the film follows an older widow’s fascination with Korean pop culture, and her own journey to self-discovery as she travels in South Korea.
Ajoomma is scheduled to be the world debut at the Busan International Film Festival’s New Currents competition, which will run from October. 5-14.
The film was produced through Chen’s Giraffe Pictures and co-produced by Korea’s Lee Johan, the film was financed through the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s New Director Grant. Beijing-based Radiance handles international sales. Two of Chen’s previous films as director: Ilo Ilo(2013) and Wet Season(2019) were presented by Singapore to previous editions of the Oscars.
While it is still in the process of being released, Ajoomma has already earned a number of awards. It was nominated for four awards at the coming Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan which included the top prize for best director in a new direction, the top prize for a screenplay written by an original screenwriter, the best lead actress, for the experienced Singaporean star Hong Huifang and best-supporting actress for Korean actor Jung Dong-hwan.
The film will release in cinemas across Singapore in October. 27 through Golden Village Pictures.
Chen released the statement: “Giraffe Pictures is honored to be able to carry the flag as Singapore’s Oscar contender, this time with the charming He Shuming debut film Ajoomma. We’re just beginning the film’s journey, and we anticipate bringing laughter and tears to viewers far and wide. This is certainly the Singapore film that you should watch!”
Image Source: deadline
