THE Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) is presenting a key networking session for Singapore producers at the upcoming Marche du Film.

This is the leading international film market, held in conjunction with the prestigious Cannes Film Festival from May 14 - 23 in France.

The Producers Network is a programme dedicated to bringing together producers in Cannes to facilitate opportunities for international co-productions.

The sessions will provide an opportunity for round-table thematic discussions with special guests-of-honour, and attended by high profile distributors, sellers, financiers and talent agents.

A delegation of six Singapore companies - comprising animation, CG, documentary and independent film-makers, producers and marketers - will promote a line-up of 20 Made-by-Singapore film projects.

Included in this diverse line-up are Brother No. 2 by Oak3 Films, a feature documentary about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia; The Gene Generation by Ascension Pictures, a sci-fi Hollywood production directed by Singaporean Pearry Teo and The Vintage Film Company's The Carrot Cake Conversations.

This is the fifth time the MDA is leading a delegation of Singapore companies to the Marche du Film.

Dr Christopher Chia, Chief Executive Officer of the MDA said: 'This year's featured Made-by-Singapore projects show a diversity of the local film industry's content, from animation, drama to multi-lingual feature films.

'Such content puts Singapore on the international stage for both Asian and Western audiences, which are increasingly seeking unique cultural experiences.'

Continuing Singapore filmmakers' strong showing at international film festivals is My Magic, which has been nominated for the highest accolade at this year's Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d'Or (Golden Palm).

Eric Khoo's latest film, which was supported by the Singapore Film Commission, is about a down-and-out magician seeking to mend ties with his estranged teenage son.

It is also only one of two Asian films in the main competition.

Last year, Ah Ma (Grandma) by Anthony Chen had the distinction of being one of only 11 short films chosen from a pool of over 3,000 entries for the Palm d'Or Short Film award.

The film went on to receive the Special Mention.

Added Dr Chia: 'The distinction that Singapore films such as My Magic is gaining exemplifies the growth and internationalisation that MDA aims to develop for the film industry in Singapore.'