DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY - Jun Chong

Jun Chong is an independent film writer and director. Jun's debut short film “Ke” premiered in the prestigious Busan International Film Festival 2018 and won the top “Best Asian Short Film” and “Best Actress” award in Sapporo Short Fest 2018. As a result of this accolade, Jun was invited by the Japan Cultural Ministry to take on a residency in Sapporo where he made his short film “Autumn”, which went on to travel to other film festivals. Jun garnered media attention when his 2020 short film “New Resident” was not allowed to screen in his estate. Initially created to create conversations about the overpopulation of junglefowl chickens among his residents, Jun faced difficulties from the authorities to screen it. In addition, the film went on to screen in Taiwan and Dubai and it was also nominated for 6 awards in the National Youth Film Awards, including “Best Film” and “Best Director”. “Siti” which talks about the acceptance of a domestic helper as a family, swept the top 4 awards in Cine65 in 2021, including the top award “Movie Maker” award and “Best Film”. Jun’s latest short film, “Whisper of the Tranquil Water”, spotlights the immigrant workers in Singapore. It premiered in the Oscar and BAFTA qualifying POFF Tallin Black Nights Festival and Singapore International Film Festival. It was also selected for the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market Picks and is still currently travelling various festivals around the world. Jun is currently preparing for his next short film “After the Farewell”, which was awarded a grant by Honours SG as part of his debut feature project. Jun Chong also contributes locally and internationally by producing over 50 commercials, documentaries and international productions, including Royston Tan’s sixth feature film “24” which premiered in Busan International Film Festival and the Golden Horse Awards. Jun was also invited to produce a multitude of films for National Day Parade 2023, where he worked with all departments to spotlight the under-privileged in Singapore and garnered widespread attention and approval. Jun was a fellow of the prestigious Asian Film Academy (AFA) in Busan International Film Festival (2017), where he collaborated with 23 other filmmakers in Asia to direct a short film set in Busan.