IF/Then Southeast Asia 2020

The second edition of IF/Then Southeast Asia provided project funding and creative distribution mentoring to short documentary projects that explore a range of socially, politically and culturally relevant topics through the lens of young and emerging storytellers from Southeast Asia.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was conducted virtually on 17—23 June 2020, consisting Story Development Lab on 17—21 June and Pitch sessions on 22—23 June 2020.

19 filmmaking teams participated in pitching sessions to industry, as well as public learning sessions. Additionally, all of the selected projects will receive USD 1,000.

PUBLIC SESSIONS

#1 From IF/Then to the World
Wednesday, 17 June 2020 | 19:30—21:00 (UTC+7)

Speakers:
Ucu Agustin (Indonesia/How Far I’ll Go), Christine Delp, Pilar Timpane (US/Santuario)

Moderator:
Emile Guertin (Al Jazeera English)

In 2017, IF/Then program commenced in the U.S. and so far it has supported more than 30 films around the globe. What has happened to awarded films around the world? What did the filmmakers gain and learn throughout the process? Join the session to see the trajectory of two IF/Then winners from the U.S. and Indonesia.

#2 From Stories to Screen
Thursday, 18 June 2020 | 19:30—21:00 (UTC+7)

Speakers:
Hata Takeshi (Japan), Cynthia Lowen (US/Train of Thought Productions)

Moderator:
Amelia Hapsari (In-Docs)

Every story takes a different route to the screen, and from the screen to the audience. Join IF/Then mentors Cynthia Lowen and Hata Takeshi revealing how they find their unique way to tell the story they want to tell and how they overcome obstacles along the way.

#3 Film Distribution in Time of COVID-19
Friday, 19 June 2020 | 19:30—21:00 (UTC+7)

Speakers:
Emilie Bujes (Visions du Reel), Anaïs Clanet (Reservoir Docs)

Moderator:
Chloe Gbai (Tribeca Film Institute)

As many cinemas are closed, festivals going online and the whole world is wrapped in COVID-19 updates, filmmakers are wondering how they can best strategize to release and distribute their films. Tune in to get updated industry insights from Emilie Bujes (Artistic Director, Visions du Reel) and Anaïs Clanet (Reservoir Docs). Find out how festivals and distribution avenues are adapting and navigating the global pandemic.

SELECTED PROJECTS

The project submissions were open from 6 January - 6 March 2020. Listed below are the selected projects which will participate in IF/Then Southeast Asia 2020. Congratulations to all the selected participants!

1. 19 | Vietnam
   Ngoc Le (Director), Quang Nong (Producer)
   
2. 116 B University Avenue, Rangoon | Philippines
   Joanna Arong (Director, Producer)
   
3. Dawn (Bukang Liwayway) | Philippines
   Myish Endonila (Director), Kristine Angeli Gimongala (Co-Director)
   
4. Dust on the Window | Philippines
   Demie Dangla (Director)
   
5. Hi Boy | Indonesia
   Rahmi Murti (Director), Wini Angraeni (Producer)
   
6. Homebound | Indonesia
   Ismail Lubis (Director), Nick Calpakdjian (Producer)
   
7. How to Sell Piety (Islam.inc) | Indonesia
   Yovista Ahtajida (Director)
   
8. The Invisibles | Philippines
   Bryan Kristoffer Brazil (Director)
   
9. Iyaha | Philippines
   Jeremy Luke Bolatag (Director), Alex Poblete (Producer)
   
10. Looking for Haven (Mencari Suaka) | Indonesia
    Andi Hutagalung (Director, Producer), Tedy Pasaribu (Producer)
    
11. Marawi | Philippines
    Shirin Bhandari (Director), Matt Baguinon (Director), Cha Escala (Producer)
    
12. Married to the Underground (Ka Arman) | Philippines
    Grace Simbulan (Director), Johnny Bassett (Producer)
    
13. QUẨY | Vietnam
    Hien Anh Nguyen (Director), Thuy Anh Nguyen (Producer)
    
14. Rabiah and Mimi | Indonesia
    Arfan Sabran (Director), Nick Calpakdjian (Producer)
    
15. Sandcastles | Singapore
    Carin Leong (Director), Martin Loh (Co-Producer)
    
16. The Seen and Unseen | Vietnam
    Trang Dao (Director, Co-Producer), Hieu Tran (Co-Producer)
    
17. She Who Dreams of Statues | Singapore
    Natalie Khoo (Director), Sam Wei Shi Chua (Producer)
    
18. A Sonorous Melody (Senandung Senyap) | Indonesia
    Riani Singgih (Director), Annisa Adjam (Producer), Muhammad Ismail (Co-Producer)
    
19. Underage | Thailand
    Ohm Phanphiroj (Director, Producer)