Juan Foo

MA Arts and Cultural Leadership

2025

Juan Foo started his filmmaking journey in script reading and distribution for a film finance company, then freelancing in production and editing. His filmography traces film industry milestones with producing credits on an independent cult film, Singapore’s first digital film, first HD feature and the country’s first creature VFX film.

Juan graduated with a Diploma in Film, Sound and Video and a BFA in Creative Producing. He also holds a Professional Diploma in Creative Entrepreneurship and a Certificate in traditional cel animation.

Juan worked in public service and the labour movement holding positions at WDA, MDA and U Creative (NTUC) in talent development, content quality assessment and outreach. He is ACLP-certified and teaches in CET media schools

The transformation of film, media and cinematic arts has led him to focus on education, seeking insights into how support for the industry—in terms of frameworks—can sustain the landscape.

juanfoo@gmail.com

Thesis abstract

Singapore film funding as national cinema or media industry?

Singapore has been recognised for its strategic adaptability and forward-looking approach in efforts to stay relevant both regionally and globally. In recent years, this has included growing support for the arts and culture sector as part of national development.

Since the 1990s, there has been a growing interest in local filmmaking, encouraged by platforms like the Singapore International Film Festival and supported by the formation of the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) in 1998.

Media in Singapore has traditionally played a role in promoting social values and national identity, and film gradually became part of this broader public communication strategy. In 2003, the SFC was merged with the Singapore Broadcasting Authority to form the Media Development Authority, reinforcing state support for film as both a cultural and economic endeavour.

While government funding has helped nurture a vibrant film scene and led to some international recognition, commercial success has been limited. In light of challenges such as the pandemic and shifts in viewing habits toward streaming, questions are emerging about the long-term sustainability of such funding models. The thesis explores how the practice of current funding is framed and justified by stakeholders, and how they might evolve to support a more resilient and industry-driven local film ecosystem.

School of Creative
Industries

Juan Foo

Work

Thesis abstract

Work experience