By Boon Chan

When the going gets tough, the tough go in search of new sponsors.

The Singapore International Film Festival has faced a drop in cash sponsorship as a result of the economic crisis, although a spokesman declined to reveal figures. But the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Amara International Hotels & Resorts have stepped in with cash and in-kind sponsorship this year.

This helped the festival, which is on from April 14 to 25, cover its budget of $500,000 this year, up from last year's $400,000. The Singapore Film Commission is contributing $65,000, the same amount it chipped in last year, while long-time sponsors such as the National Museum of Singapore, logistics provider DHL, Star TV channel, post-production company Infinite Frameworks and Kodak have contributed in-kind sponsorship ranging from venues to transportation.

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