Stranger Eyes ‘ director Chris Yeo Siew Hua had formerly directed , A Land Imagined , – another video that boosted Singapore’s status in the world video image. The 2018 video clinched the top prize at the 71st Locarno Film Festival, and won best initial report and best classic story at the , 56th Golden Horse Awards.
Speaking to CNA Lifestyle, Yeo said that he “was surprised, overjoyed, glad and humiliated all at the same time” upon hearing the news of Stranger Eyes ‘ election.
It is a true honor to compete against all these wonderful movies at the Venice Film Festival, he added. Of course, inevitably, what I want to get out of this is for the movie to appeal to its viewers, those who will fall in love with her and have a spot in her heart. After all, that is why I make pictures, and may continue to perform so”.
The second Singapore-associated film competing at this year’s Venice Film Festival is Do n’t Cry Butterfly, produced by Singapore-based film and TV company Momo Film Co. Do n’t Cry Butterfly, a housewife who uses voodoo to win back her cheating husband, is the subject of Vietnamese filmmaker Duong Dieu Linh’s film.
The movie will be competing in Venice Critic’s Week, an independent program that showcases album motion pictures from established and emerging filmmakers.
The Venice Film Festival’s 81st book runs from August 28 to September 7.  ,
Through grants from the Media Talent Progression Programme, both Stranger Eyes and Do n’t Cry Butterfly have received funding from the SFC and IMDA and the Singapore Film Commission.
In a press statement, IMDA’s assistant chief executive of media, innovation, communications and marketing Justin Ang said:” The success of Stranger Eyes and Do n’t Cry Butterfly at the Venice Film Festival 2024 is a continuation of our film industry’s growing success in major film festivals around the world. This reputation will increase Singaporean films ‘ presence abroad and serve as an inspiration for all of our aspiring filmmakers. We take great pride in Singapore’s extraordinary picture talent, who has demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.