Director's Message - THUS HAVE I SEEN

Welcome to the seventh edition of Thus Have I Seen Buddhist Film Festival (THISBFF).

THISBFF 2021 marks a new experience for the organising committee as we hold our first hybrid festival with a combination of online and in-cinema screenings.

Following the success of THISBFF 2020 – our first online festival, we are happy to extend the same option for friends in Singapore and Malaysia to view selected Buddhist-themed films online. This year, you can look forward to eight excellent films (two returning favourites from THISBFF 2020) being offered for viewing at your home with an online pass.

We have always believed in the magical and immersive cinematic experience. Therefore, despite the many challenges in arranging screenings in the cinemas, we are very happy for the opportunity to welcome our audience back to the cinema halls for THISBFF 2021. All fifteen films will be screened at Shaw Theatres Lido, Singapore for those who prefer the familiar setting of a cinema.

For THISBFF 2021, we curated the film line-up along the theme of Open Your Mind, in the hope of sharing new perspectives with our audience. We live in an ever-changing environment where navigating through uncertainties and constant changes is inevitable. Opening our minds can better equip us with the ability to make sense of our world, and prepare us to adapt to situations as they happen. We are confident that our slate of excellent films will bring about thought-provoking discussions and reflections amongst our audience.

This year, as with previous editions, we want to thank our sponsors, the filmmakers and our local partners. Our long-term event organising partners – Factory Communications Pte Ltd, Shaw Theatres Ltd and SISTIC.com Pte Ltd – have been with us since the inception of THISBFF. We are glad to have them alongside us again, as we navigate the challenges of organising THISBFF during this pandemic.

We are also deeply grateful to our Community Partners and followers for their continued support through the years. Your unwavering belief in what we do really boosted our morale and spurred us on towards the continued planning and organisation of THISBFF.

THISBFF 2021 has grown so much since our first edition in 2009. The entire process is made even more meaningful when the growth is in tandem with you, our audience, so please continue to give us your feedback and suggestions as we start to plan for an even better THISBFF 2023.

Thank you and stay safe.

Teo Puay Kim
Director
Dharma In Action Limited