Aiming higher – a status report on Singapore film
In recent years, Singapore cinema has begun to thrive
again, gradually blossoming into a veritable renaissance
and making its rounds at festivals across the globe. The
short ilm scene in particular is noteworthy, quite eclectic,
diverse and most alive. Making short ilms certainly is
a starting point for many, but more than that, it is being
recognized as a ilmic art form in its own right and
appreciated by local cinema enthusiasts. Singapore short
ilms have garnered awards the world over, and by now the
yearly output is nothing short of impressive and easily ranks
among the best in the Asian region in its ield. As is the case
with any kind of maturation, the process is multi-layered
and complex, but follows an overall pattern. In the case of
Singapore, development is hemmed in but not strangled by
censorship, comparatively well funded and supported by
a resourceful and professional infrastructure; it is awash
with creativity, enthusiasm and a good deal of cutting-edge
ambitiousness.
Generally youthful and almost amounting to a movement,
Singaporean short ilms have a global appeal, growing as
they are, from a cosmopolitan globalized city state. The
exploration of life and life’s challenges in every conceivable
form is of course a predominant topic, with many a
personal ilm in its wake. Increasingly, though, curiosity
and advanced playfulness begin to explore the boundaries
and inner workings of the medium itself, becoming a second
and ever more sophisticated strain among Singapore
productions as of late. In addition to the choice of subject
matter, this provides an alternative angle on 21st century
experience and a possible opening for audiences to
connect wherever they may live. Some of this is explored
in our representative selection of ilms from Singapore
this year – short and feature – and AHSB is proud to bring
accomplished Singapore Hot Shots to Berlin, our trademark
national programme, once again. (MO)
My Blue Heaven
Singapore 2008, Dir.: Yee-wei Chai, 19 min
Ah Boy watches a porn videotape, and it got stuck. Bad news – his father is on the way home. This is the director’s love letter to his past.
4 Dishes
Singapore 2008, Dir.: Leon Cheo, 7 min
What is it they say about a family which eats together? If Rembrandt were doing short films, they would probably look something like this powerful miniature.
The Girl in a Red Sarong
2007, Dir.: Jeremy Sing, 13 min
A national icon worn with grace suits every occasion and can even make for a living. This simple bit of truth captured on 8mm.