The filmmaker, who bagged the grand prize at Switzerland’s Fribourg International Film Festival, brings to focus the places that intrigue him
Your films capture Singapore through various times in history. Which era is your favourite?
I think the ’60s would have been an interesting period. Singapore became a part of Malaysia in 1963, then separated from it in 1965. The National Theatre was built, Singapore cinema was in its golden era, and the old Bugis Street was still around – everything seemed messier and more colourful. Last I heard, you can still see remnants of the old Shaw Brothers’ film studio at No. 8 Jalan Ampas.
Where can you see another side of the country?
Bukit Brown Cemetery is fascinating. It is a quiet sanctuary where horses from nearby stables are walked and many of the country’s first Chinese immigrants were laid to rest. Taking a stroll through the cemetery is both a hike through nature and a history lesson. I ended up filming twice there – once for my first feature Sandcastle, and then for a video installation called Mirror.
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Where should a fan of indie cinema head?
Definitely check out Objectifs, a centre for film and photography. It has a little shop where you can get DVDs of local independent films. The Projector at Golden Mile Tower is a retro-style cinema that shows a good selection of non- mainstream movies.
How do you tune out from work?
I enjoy hanging out at Artistry, a cafe that’s like a community centre for artists and filmmakers. I also love visiting hawker centres for local food. If I have time, I’ll wait in line at the stall with the longest queue.
– TEXT BY CARA YAP
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
