Superstar Aamir Khan is set to receive the Screen Icon Award at the 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), where he will also attend a special screening marking the 25th anniversary of his Oscar-nominated film 'Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India'.
Khan will attend the screening of the 2001 period sports drama alongside director Ashutosh Gowariker. He will also participate in the festival's 'In Conversation With' series, reported Variety.
How 'Lagaan' changed the game
Set in 1893 during British rule in India, 'Lagaan' follows villagers who, burdened by oppressive taxes imposed by a British officer, stake their future on an unlikely cricket match in an attempt to escape the financial burden.
The film challenged conventions of mainstream commercial cinema with its period setting, unconventional storyline and lengthy runtime. It went on to become both a critical and commercial success.
'Lagaan' was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2002 Academy Awards. However, it lost the award to Bosnian film 'No Man's Land'.
SGIFF to feature major Asian filmmakers
The Singapore International Film Festival will be held from October 21 to November 1 and will feature several prominent Asian filmmakers and actors, including Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda and Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong.
The festival will open with South Korean political thriller 'The Assassin(s)', starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il and Lee Min-ho. Director Hur Jin-ho and cast members Shim Eun-kyung and Park Sung-hoon are expected to attend the opening.
Kore-eda to receive Cinema Honorary Award
Kore-eda, known for films including 'Nobody Knows', 'Like Father, Like Son', 'Monster' and Palme d'Or winner 'Shoplifters', will receive the festival's Cinema Honorary Award for his contribution to Asian cinema.
His latest film, 'Look Back', will have its Southeast Asian premiere at SGIFF. Adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot manga, the live-action film follows two girls whose shared passion for drawing manga develops into a friendship as they grow up.
More stars join 'In Conversation With'
The festival's 'In Conversation With' series will also feature Kore-eda, Shim, Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan and Wong.
Other filmmakers and industry figures attending the festival include South Korean filmmaker Yim Soon-rye, Japanese director Koji Fukada, cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa and Hong Kong filmmaker Jacob Cheung.