A local film exploring the impact of Singapore’s judiciary on personal lives, that was slated to screen at the upcoming 35th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), has been “refused classification” by the , Infocomm Media Development Authority ( IMDA ).
The picture, Small Hours Of The Night, a film directed by Taiwanese chairman Daniel Hui, has been pulled from the event and cannot be shown on television.  ,
In a statement, IMDA said:” In discussion with the Ministry of Law and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, IMDA has assessed the picture to have content that is probably contrary to the rules, i. electronic. illegal. It may likely be detrimental to the country’s objectives to screen it.
” Under the Film Classification Guidelines,’ any material that undermines or is likely to destroy open order, or is likely to be prejudiced to regional interest’ will get refused classification.”
In response to IMDA’s choice, SGIFF program director Thong Kay Wee released a speech on the show’s Instagram page , to repeat its support for the movie’s award-winning producer, Daniel Hui.
While the movie may become screened, Daniel will continue to speak at various other events held under the SGIFF overcoat as a panellist speaker.
The movie is an official collection under the” Subtext” piece, which is the festival’s curation of innovative and experimental filmmaking, while Hui will also be featured as a panellist at the festival, contributing to discussions on imaginative processes and regional filmmaking.
The SGIFF will take place on November 28 through December 8.