Movie Box Review

Pre-Festival Coverage
April 1, 2008
April 4, 2008

Daily Coverage
Toronto Singapore Film Festival 08 Day 1 - Friday April 4/08
Toronto Singapore Film Festival 08 Day 2 - Saturday April 5/08
Toronto Singapore Film Festival 08 Day 3 - Sunday April 6/08

Post-Festival Coverage
Wrap Up

The Toronto Singapore Film Festival ran from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Favourite Feature: Tie - 18 Grams of Love on Day 1 and 4:30 on Day 2.

Favourite Short: Zo Gang from Day 2. I have watched this short at least 3 times since the festival, it's hilarious and cracks me up every time. Zo Gang can be seen here on the Hosaywood.com site.

Themes: Pressure of work & social status, loneliness/isolation amongst others, money, gambling/lottery and quirky humour

Best Attended & Most Enthusiastic Crowd: Singapore Dreaming on Day 3

Scariest: Fonzi, a short from Day 3. It's not a scary film per se, but it creeped me out, as it had a dreamlike/alternate reality feel to it.

Still thinking about: Kichiro from Day 2. It's definitely ultra violent which isn't my thing, but it sure keeps coming to mind.

Best Day: Day 1 not only because I enjoyed both the films that day but also got to share the events with my sister Jamie.

Wasn't expecting: So many filmmakers in attendance: Jacen Tan, Kelvin Sng, Elgin Ho and Lee Chee Tian. What a treat it was to have so many introductions and Q&A's over the three days.

Best Q&A: On Day 2 there was a great Q&A with Kelvin Sng (Kichiro) as well as Juan Foo (producer: Perth) via webcam.

Festival First: I actually made it to each and every screening! That is one of the joys of a 3 day festival that starts Friday night and goes through to Sunday night. It was a real treat to have the full festival experience.



The Toronto Singapore Film Festival ran from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Day 3 brings the Toronto Singapore Film Festival to a close, and it feels like it was over so quickly! Short and sweet it leaves us with memories that will last and last. The good news it next year will bring us a new festival. I'm sure it will continue to bring excellent films to choose from and enjoy. But before I get too ahead of myself, let's look at the adventures of the day

Ashwatthama Unbound
Dir: Maneka Karthigasu
6 minutes

Impressions: This compelling film tells an interesting story by a concurrent tale of the before/during/aftermath of a son's deadly encounter and a father seeking peace.

Feet Unbound
Writer/Director/Producer: Ng Khee Jin
Narrator/Cast: : Elly Zhen Ying

Impressions: This documentary follows the untold story of the female soldiers in through The Long March from 1934 to 1937, a massive military retreat that lasted 12,500 km. This is a powerful story of the women who survived and many who did not.


(the crowd cheerfully puts on themed glasses for Colours, part of the shorts presentation)

Here are some highlights from the afternoon short film presentation:

Fonzi
Writer/Dir:Kirsten Tan
Cast: Teo Min Bi
22 minutes

Impressions: This wild and surreal short presents us with and engaging cinematic experience that challenges our perceptions of who are the people we watch. Brilliant and completely creepy!

When We Were Bengs
Writer/Director/Producer:Alaric Tay
Cast: Alaric Tay, Terence Tay, Ben Yeung and Caroline Cheong
12 minutes

Impressions: Watching this short was a fun ride with its comic book styling and action. It holds a real sweetness, but also has heavy punk tendencies. Wild.

See more at the When We Were Bengs website

The Alien Invasion
Writer/Director/Producer: Rich Ho Kok Tai
Cast: 80+ staff, faculty members & students from the Singapore Management University18 minutes

Impressions: I really enjoyed this short film which has a great textural DIY feel to and creative interpretation of contemporary culture in an alien invasion setting. As the credits played along outtakes of the film were shown, and it looked like it was a really fun experience. A total blast.

Watch The Alien Invasion online here at the Richmanclub Studio's website, founded by writer/director/producer Rich Ho.

Singapore Standard Time
Dir: Joycelyn Khoo & Serene Ng
Documentary
26 minutes

Impressions: A fascinating look at the overwhelming yet subtle obsession with time. How can things be done quickly, but also achieve maximum effect? Is this the ideal? What is the value of a quick fix or a quick win versus growth through a longer development period. The film poses many great questions and shows us some wild examples of speed from a contest for the quickest SMS messaging to a 20 minute alternative to facelifts.


(Lee Chee Tien - writer & producer of Colours)

Colours
Dir: Derrick Lui
Writer/Producer: Lee Chee Tien
Cast: Elise Delos Santos, Eunice Chew
9 minutes

Impressions: This brilliant short film displays a tender touch to the isolating world of one colour blind young girl. Through creativity and optimism it shows us with great care how seeing is believing.

Highlights from the Colours Q&A with writer/producer Lee Chee Tien in attendance

Any screening that comes with props is cool to me. Before heading into the shorts screening, all festival attendee's were handed colourful cut out glasses frames and all were willing to sport them on for the screening. Writer/producer Lee Chee Tien shares with us that this film is a metaphor for the things we are born without, and how in going through the process of finding what we want we can sometimes go overboard and lose focus. In response to an audience question about the casting, the young girl who plays the lead is not Singaporean but Filipino and was found while studying at a ballet school in Singapore. She was 11 years old during the filming process. Lee Chee Tien shared that he came to Toronto through the overseas grand via the Singapore Film Commission (through which the majority of the short films received funding from) and is very thankful to have the opportunity to share the film as well as having a cultural exchange.


(Elgin Ho introduces his short film 19/20s)

19/20s / Nineteen Twenties
Writer/Director/Producer: Elgin Ho
7 minutes

Impressions: A touching tribute and exploration film expressing the tale of the filmmakers relationship with his blind sister. This film is notated as dedicated to all of those whom are nineteen.

Elgin Ho introduced the film for use as a video essay to his sister. He said that the sharpest criticism of it can be made from those who love Singapore. This film is a part of his 1st year work. He is currently studying Digital film at the Nanyang Technological University School of Art, Design and Media.

Singapore Dreaming
Writers/Directors/Producers: Yen Yen Woo & Colin Goh
Cast: Richard Low, Alice Lim Cheng Peng, Serene Cheng, Yeo Yann Yann, Lim Yu-Beng, Dick Su

Impressions: This complicated family drama portrays many inter-dependant relationships. What stuck me on this film was throughout no one seemed happy. There was always the (possibly insurmountable) goal or the wish to strike gold and have all their financial worries be pushed to the side. And in that, how settling financial situations often creates new issues and that plays a prominent here. The film has a brilliant plot supported by superb acting leads us though many journeys all in one. When it all boils down, is it really about money? Recognition? Value? Or something else interely. Singapore Dreaming explores it all.

Official Singapore Dreaming website


(the lively crowd for the closing night screening of Singapore Dreaming)

The Toronto Singapore Film Festival runs from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Zo Gang
Writer/Director/Producer: Jacen Tan
Cast: Wesley Wong
9 minutes

Impressions: This hilarious short follows a man who has a life ambition to work in film but has to Zo Gang (go work) at a regular job. We follow him on his journey as he comments on the state of his own life as well as film stereotypes and pitfalls. A fantastic and humorous film.

Q&A Highlights: The script was written in 2-3 hours and reflects what was on Jacen Tan's mind at that time. The main actor is a cameraperson, and the film was made over the period of a month (as they had to zo gang). Jacen Tan said he hopes it reminds Singaporeans of home.

Zo Gang can be seen here on the Hosaywood.com, also check out Jacen Tan's filmography for more information on his work

Just Follow Law
Dir: Jack Neo
Cast: Fann Wong, Gurmit Singh, Brandon Wong, Suhaimi Yusof, Lina Ng, Amy Cheng, Moses Lim, Steven Woon

Impressions: Just Follow Law is a fantastic film set in the world of red tape and the lives of two civil servants. Although the film is steeped firmly in the comedic world of their daily work life, it easily presents touching moments and all the while comments on class issues and family dynamics. Overall, it makes you question the value of following the rules, even when they are to your favour.

See the trailer for Just Follow Law on YouTube here


(Kelvin Sng, writer/director of Kichiro)

Kichiro
Writer/Director: Kelvin Sng
Cast: Ken Makio, Andie Chen
20 minutes

Impressions: This violent and expressive short explores the new friendship of two young men who both have a thirst for violent films and superficial families. Although I found it was rather hard to watch at some points, it did strike home a strong message and is an impressive film.

Q&A Highlights: The film was created as an homage to Japanese ultra-violent films, and was the director Kelvin Sng's thesis. When asked about the level of violence and reason behind making it, he explained that it is a personal choice and that the film was a learning process to see how far he could stretch not only in 35mm format but also in exploitation films. It's a style not usually seen in Singaporean film. Whether the audience likes it or not, that is up to them.

I have to say I was very impressed at Kelvin Sng's honesty and openness to welcoming comments and criticism, it's also wild to see such a violent film from someone who was so nice and discussed the importance of family.

See the Kichiro trailer here (warning: violence)


(left to right: Pamela, Kelvin Sng writer/director of Kichiro, Emile Dirks - Festival Coordinator)

Perth
Writer/Director: Djinn Ong
Producers: Juan Foo, Duncan Jepson, Damon Chua
Cast: Lim Kay-tong, Liu Qiulian, Ivy Cheng, Sunny Pang, Victory Selvan, Kevin Murphy

Impressions: During the Q&A Juan Foo explained that Perth is an homage to the films Falling Down and Taxi Driver. For that, I give it kudos as it hits the mark by depicting a man (Harry played by Lim Kay-tong) whom is out of time in terms of his skills and the current culture and therefore looking the means to get to his goal: to get to Perth. Although I think the film was done quite well, I found it hard to be with these characters for so long. With the exception of Harry's old army buddy Raja, I found the characters devoid of redeeming qualities be that if they were part of the world of crime he falls into or not. That being said I am in no way the target audience. If you are into films that depict harsh measures, crime and revenge in a realistic setting, than Perth is for you.

Q&A Highlights: Explanation of the context of Perth is that it is to Singaporeans is like Florida to North Americans, it's a place to retire and holds a paradise-like status. In terms of violence in film, Juan Foo mentioned that it there is a lot of violence in Hollywood films and that people (in Singapore) have become used to in. In Perth, the the violence was a part of the story and the intent was to portray it realistically in terms of the setting.

See the trailer for Perth on YouTube (warning: violence)


(Juan Foo producer of Perth, via webcam during the Q&A)

Yesterday's Play
Dir: Ryan David Tan Weiliang
Cast: Glenn Koh, Angeline Chang, Zechariah Koh

Impressions: An engrossing short depicting the interplay, be it active or passive, of a mother/son relationship. I was sceptical at first with the description indicating a berating mother, but this short completely won me over.

4:30
Dir: Royston Tan
Cast: Zhang Xiao Wu, Xia Li Yuan

Impressions: This touching and absorbing film follows a boy through his lonely life, and his subtle but sometimes awkward attempts to connect with a Korean tenant. This film is a journey through two lives, with such realism that you feel quite connected to the characters. It's a beautiful film with a gentle pace and unexpected humour throughout. My favourite of the day.

Day 2 of the festival had more than film, but food as well. There were Singaporean culinary delights as well as bubble tea.



The Toronto Singapore Film Festival runs from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Tonight was the Opening Night of the 3rd Toronto Singapore Film Festival, a film festival with the focus on introducing Singapore film to Canadians. Many of the filmmakers were in attendance and had the opportunity to speak during the introduction. Throughout the festival there will be dialogues with a number of the guests including: Jacen Tan (dir: Zogang), Kelvin Sng (dir: Kichiro) Elgin Ho (dir: 19/20s) and Lee Chee Tian.


(Yeow Tong Chia, Festival Founder & Director)

Old Times
Writer/Dir: Chew Tee Pao
14 minutes

Impressions: A look on a romantic relationship from the current back to the old times. Succinct in message and varying in tone this short film ponders the staying power of true love.

18 Grams of Love
Writer/Dir: Han Yew Kwang
Cast: Adam Chen, Yeo Yann Yann, Alaric Tay, Magdalene

Impressions: What a treat this film was. It starts with a simple premise of two friends (Zihua and Ah Hui) whom are concerned their wives are cheating on them and their idea to find out for sure. Not only is it a fascinating tale, it's a brilliant character study of the four leads and their relationships with each other. The creative narrative style and phenomenal acting play a huge part in the success of this film and its ability to flow seamlessly from comedy to heart wrenching drama. A marvellous film, I highly recommend it and would watch it again in a heartbeat.

The Toronto Singapore Film Festival runs from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The third Toronto Singapore Film Festival starts in just a few days and they have a thrilling line up with something for everyone from dramas to quirky comedies to films of a darker nature.

The festival opens this Friday, April 4/08 with Old Times (short) and 18 Grams of Love (feature). Both films focus on love that has drifted apart, but the approach to move forward is very different.

There are many opportunities to get your giggles on with films that have unquestionable quirky humour. Just Follow Law looks like a hilarious take on getting stuck in all the red tape (see trailer on YouTube), and Zogang plays through the dreams of having a more interesting life.

If you favour films on the darker side, the Saturday 4pm slot is for you. Feature film Perth has a vengeful and redemptive taste to it, check out the Perth trailer on YouTube. It will be showing with the short Kichiro, for which director Kelvin Sng will be in attendance. You can see the Kichiro trailer here, which includes a notation that is has been "altered for general audiences" - something I've never seen before.

One film that really piqued my interest is Feet Unbound. This documentary retraces the path in The Long March, a massive military retreat in 1934-1937. The film focuses on and includes interviews with women who participated in The Long March. The trailer brought tears to my eyes.

Drama lovers don't despair, you will have your just desserts. 4:30 looks like a captivating portrayal of aloneness (see trailer on main site here). The festival will close with Singapore Dreaming, which looks amazing. A family centred drama focusing on the struggles and dilemmas of class issues, this screening will be one not to be missed.

All films will be shown with English subtitles.

For more information, check out the Toronto Singapore Film Festival website, Film Information, Film Schedule, Ticket Info, Online Ticket Sales and Festival Trailer on YouTube

The Toronto Singapore Film Festival runs from April 4-6/08 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.