Mohamad Sanif bin Olek

Sanif Olek is an award-winning and Singapore-based film and television director¹, known for his multifaceted contributions as a screenwriter², filmmaker, and social activist³. Having been in the industry for nearly 30 years since 1997, he has made significant strides in his career, earning respect for his dedication to his craft and his impactful storytelling⁴.

Education
Sanif pursued his post-secondary education at a local junior college. After serving his National Service with the Singapore Armed Forces’ Commandos, he enrolled in the Diploma in Film, Sound & Video programme at Ngee Ann Polytechnic⁵, which sparked his interest – and later, his career – in screenwriting and directing.

Filmmaking and Awards
Driven by a strong passion for storytelling, Sanif began crafting narratives that resonate with Singapore's diverse cultural tapestry. His portfolio ranges from independent films to current affairs programmes⁶. In 2005, he founded his production company, reeljuice⁷, which focuses on creating meaningful television and film content that reflects the experiences of local communities.

Through his films, Sanif explores themes of identity, belonging, and social issues affecting Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region. His works invite audiences to engage in critical conversations on these key societal questions.

Sanif’s debut feature film, Sayang Disayang (My Beloved Dearest),⁸ won the Jury Award for Best Asian Film at the SalaMindanaw International Film Festival in 2013. It went on to receive the Best Musical Award at the 2014 Mexico International Film Festival⁹. Sayang Disayang was also selected as Singapore’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2015. To date, Sanif has received four Best Director awards at Mediacorp’s Pesta Perdana, which honours the best in the Malay entertainment industry in Singapore¹⁰.

Advocacy and Community Engagement
As a social activist, Sanif is deeply committed to promoting the art of filmmaking in Singapore. He actively participates in initiatives that support emerging directors and nurture creativity within the community. Believing in the power of film to transcend boundaries and promote social cohesion, he works tirelessly to create spaces for dialogue and collaboration¹¹.

In his role as an educator, Sanif has conducted workshops and mentorship programmes designed to inspire the next generation of creative talents¹². His dedication to nurturing young artists reflects his belief in the importance of sustaining Singapore's artistic ecosystem and ensuring its continued growth.

Author
Mohamed Hizammuddin Bin Mohamed Yusof

References
1. https://www.imda.gov.sg/about-imda/research-and-statistics/support-for-industry-sectors/media/film/directors/sanif-olek
2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanifoo/?originalSubdomain=sg
3. Biography Singapore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGnWIFD4Aec
4. https://thehoneycombers.com/singapore/interview-local-television-and-short-film-director-sanif-olek-shares-his-go-to-places-to-hang-out-eat-and-more/
5. Biography Singapore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y31cMCPTjM4
6. https://reeljuice.blogspot.com/2025/01/twenty-twenty-four.html?m=1
7. https://www.imda.gov.sg/about-imda/research-and-statistics/support-for-industry-sectors/media/film/production-companies/reeljuice
8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2989650/?ref_=nm_knf_c_4
9. https://www.beritaharian.sg/gaya-hidup/filem-sanif-olek-sayang-disayang-menang-lagi-di-pesta-filem-mexico
10. https://www.threads.net/@sanifoo/post/DHQVTr5SfB4
11. https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/storytellers-and-social-historians-we-speak-local-filmmakers-sanif-olek-wee-li-lin
12. The Temasek Short Film Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGGy9_-3Btg

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The information in this article is valid as of October 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit it here.