15

The 29-year-old Tan has been heralded as Singapore’s most promising young filmmaker and the latest cult icon for Singapore.With a huge cult following around the world, he has collected over 41 international and local film awards for his work to date. In 2001, he won the 6th MVA ASEAN Director of the year, Silver Award. In 2002, the Singapore National Arts Council named him Young Artist of the Year. In 2003 the Netpac Jury recognized him as one of Asia’s most promising talents.Tan’s first feature film, 15, won the Netpac FIPRESCI World critic award at the 16th Singapore IFF, it broke the festival’s record as the fastest selling local film in the history of the festival. 15 was also the first ever Singaporean Film to be selected at the Venice Critics’ Week competing for the “Lions of the Future” Award. In 2004, 15 was also the winner of the Special Jury Award at the Deauville Asian Film Festival as well as the Best Director Award at Buenos Aires. His retrospective show 0104, traveled to London, Chicago, Japan and Singapore to an enthusiastic response.