Akanga Film Asia expands horizons with new projects
A new chapter for Akanga Film Asia
Fran Borgia, the visionary behind Singapore’s Akanga Film Asia, is making waves at the Venice Film Festival with Yeo Siew Hua’s Golden Lion contender, “Stranger Eyes.” But that’s not all. Borgia has unveiled two exciting new projects that promise to push creative boundaries and expand the company’s artistic reach.
Embracing international collaborations
“We are thrilled to announce our expansion beyond Southeast Asia,” Borgia shared. “We are embarking on ambitious new projects in collaboration with partners from China, Japan, and India. These international co-productions present new challenges and opportunities, allowing us to push creative boundaries and expand our artistic skills.”
The fundamentals: A psychological thriller
One of the standout projects is “The Fundamentals,” a seven-part psychological police thriller series created by Yeo Siew Hua. Described as a captivating and innovative addition to Yeo’s body of work, the series delves into small-town paranoia, blending science, cultism, and procedural elements. The series is being developed in collaboration with Volos Films (Taiwan), with Yeo, Borgia, and Stefano Centini serving as showrunners. Set to be shot in Taiwan in 2025, “The Fundamentals” promises to be a gripping exploration of the human psyche.
Plot details
Set in the small town of Chunding, “The Fundamentals” follows a police inspector and a sophisticated investigator who make the grisly discovery of 25 decapitated bodies and a hidden cult seeking to restore nature’s balance through supernatural means. As they delve into the investigation, the inspector’s immersion in the cult threatens his partner’s scientific beliefs and their quest for the truth.
Waiting for Godard: A debut feature
Another exciting project on Akanga’s slate is “Waiting for Godard,” a debut feature written and directed by Vu Minh Nghia. This co-production between Vietnam and Singapore is produced by Nguyuen Trung Nghia, Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, and Borgia. The project has been in development at various film labs, including SGIFF Southeast Asia Film Lab 2023 and HIFF Project Lab 2024.
Plot details
Vu’s first feature follows a young independent filmmaker who’s fallen on hard times after a prolonged bout of unemployment caused by new government policies. He meets old colleagues from the State Film Studio whose future seems uncertain as they struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing global economy. Intrigued, he decides to interview them, uncovering stories that reflect the changing landscape of the film industry.
Supporting emerging voices
Borgia emphasized Akanga’s commitment to discovering and supporting emerging voices in the industry. “We are particularly excited about our work with filmmaker Vu Minh Nghia from Vietnam, whose unique perspective and storytelling approach are sure to add something special to our creative projects.”
Other projects on the horizon
Along with “Stranger Eyes,” Borgia is also presenting Singaporean filmmaker Tan Siyou’s first feature, “Amoeba,” at the Venice Production Bridge’s Gap-Financing Market. Other projects on Akanga’s slate include “Renoir,” a sophomore feature written and directed by Chie Hayakawa, and “The Thonglor Kids,” from acclaimed Thai filmmaker Aditya Assarat.
Renoir
“Renoir” marks Akanga’s first co-production with Japan. Directed by Chie Hayakawa, the film promises to be a compelling exploration of human relationships and societal norms.
The Thonglor Kids
“The Thonglor Kids” follows a man who retires to the countryside after a failed marriage, only to have his life upturned by the arrival of his best friend. Principal photography is set to begin in Thailand in the last quarter of 2024.
A diverse group of creators
“We are currently collaborating with a remarkable group of Asian filmmakers,” Borgia said. “We are honored to be part of this talented and diverse group of creators. Our goal is to tell stories that connect with people everywhere while staying personal and uniquely ours. By blending diverse cultural influences with fresh storytelling techniques, we aim to create content that resonates with audiences all around the globe.”
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into these exciting projects, here are some direct links to trailers and information pages:
Akanga Film Asia’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when creative minds come together. As they continue to push boundaries and explore new horizons, the future looks incredibly bright for this dynamic production company.