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july 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take - July

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1. ONE PLUS ONE / KELLY SWEE / 11 MIN / 2008 / PG oneplusone

A story of two lonely people, who have very similar yearnings for somebody to accompany them, due to their solitary lives and an unknown sense of loneliness. The two characters turn out to complement each other.

This is the first short film produced and directed by Kelly. She has had some hands-on experimentation with cameras since mid 2007, and learnt her film techniques in school.

2. CRAB! / TEO CHRISTINA JOLENE / 24 MIN / 2009 / PG / crab

Seng is a grown man who hasn’t quite grown up. Contented with spending his days at his father’s famous, albeit small, restaurant and lacking true ambition, his life is turned around when his father, Huat, falls sick. Not bearing to agitate his father, Seng has no choice but to plunge himself into the world of cooking, and a position of responsibility that he hasn’t quite the skills for. But this soon revals itself to be the least of his worries.

3. LOL.SG / MARILYN LOO / 18 MIN / 2009 / PG

LOL.SG is a feature documentary that explores the local comedy scene and the concept of cultural identity in Singapore. “Lame, cliché, boring.” Increasingly, Singapore humour has been labelled as such. However, we offer an alternative and unexpected take on Singaporean humour that shows it is indeed alive and kicking.

From the director: Humour has proven itself to be a very abstract topic to tackle, but the satisfaction in seeing this project take shape is immense beyond description. LOL.SG is our first full-fledged short and it has been a learning experience. It is about rediscovering Singapore culture, and reflecting what or where the funny is. It is about ignoring that gnawing fear of failure, and taking the plunge to do something meaningful and possibly funny.

JUNE 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
FIRST TAKE - JUNE

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1. CASTAWAY / MIHO / 7 MIN / 2008 / PG

A short documentary about an experienced old worker who still does the hard work of casting iron from metal waste. It is a craftsman’s trade that is turning obsolete because of the modernization of society.

2. A BUNDLE OF JOI / MELISSA HO / 13 MIN / 2008 / PG

A little girl’s memory of her lost relationship with an unrelated old lady. They lived in a one room flat and their lives were set in simple contentment, though their housing area was a sedentary poor environment. A place where one would reminisce the past but would not seek comfort in one’s minute existence.

Melissa majored in audio video production at NAFA. Her inspiration comes from photography and her love for photography leads her to the path of film. There is no nostalgia in the future, but the moments of still.

3. THE ‘D’ECISION / LI MINGHUI / 13 MIN / 2008 / PG

A short documentary film that explores the controversial issue of dying and the decisions that people have to make at a critical point in their life, as well as discovering the reasons for the decision made. There is no right or wrong answer, neither is there a definite answer, to the final decision. This film provokes the audience into thinking what the most appropriate solution is. It will challenge the audience to discover their reasons to their solutions.

The letter ‘D’ in the title represents ‘Death’, ‘Dream’. The film puts the spotlight on why and how people make a decision at that critical point in time, in this case, referring to the choice between choosing death and fighting for survival. Through the film, the audience will also discover the state of the characters when making such a choice.

4. TOO SMALL TOWN / GRACE TENG / 4 MIN / 2009 / PG

A young art school graduate badly wants to go on vacation to Florida to revive his uninspired painting career, until he gains a new understanding of art – right at home in his small town.

Grace Teng is an amateur filmmaker currently fund raising to enter the U.S.A. in a legit manner. Her previous films include MURPHY’S LAW (screened at First Take), IV LEAGUE and SUFFERING FOR SUCCESS (part of the S-Express Programme at the Asian Film Symposium) and humorous URBAN INVASION (screened also at First Take earlier this year). Visit her fundraising campaign website - graceteng89.drtomato.org – and make a pledge!

MAY 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
FIRST TAKE - MAY!

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1. FORGET ME NOT / AJAY ZAHDO, AMIR HUSSAIN, SYED IDROS & HAMIDI BIN YAHYA / 11 MIN / 2008 / PGforget

Ali is a young man with a bad memory, which is a constant problem in his life. One day when he is alone at home, he gets a visit from an old friend, John. They catch up with old times but slowly Ali starts to discover that John is not merely visiting him...

Director’s Bio: AASK productions was founded by four friends, Ajay Zadho, Amir Hussain, Syed Idros & Hamidi bin Yahya, who met in Singapore Polytechnic and joined a theatre club. There, they discovered their interest in short films and have produced 4-5 short films to date. Their previous film IT KILLS won the 1st prize in the Health Promotion Board film competition in January 2008.

2. IMPIAN LAMA / YUSRI SAPARI / 15 MIN / 2008 / PGImpian

Starshot Estates is the workplace of Ahmad, a young security officer who's new to his job. You can call him a slacker and he complains a lot. Working late nights has taken a toll on him as now he feels the condominium is 'keras'. What he means is that there's been some strange things going on at Starshot Estates. One night, he gets himself into things no one can really be ever prepared for.

Director’s Bio: Yusri Sapari, also known as Shaggy to most, recently graduated from Republic Polytechnic with Diploma in New Media specializing in Media and Entertainment. He's keen on the more technical side of filmmaking. As for now, he hopes to be a location sound recordist.

3. A TA-TA FROM A TU-TU / RUSSELL MORTON / 7 MIN / 2008 / tutu

When you are all alone and you hear strange music, don’t open the closed door!

 

 

 

4. BRAZEN / LINUS CHEN / 20 MIN / 2008 / PGbrazen

Two government agents must go against their own unit to uproot a corrupting force against their nation.

Director’s Bio: Linus attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, graduating with a BA in Film Production. BRAZEN is his first Singapore short film. He recently directed SURESHOT, a five minute action drama.

5. A LION’S PRIDE / WESLEY AROOZOO / 8 MIN / 2008 / PGlions pride

During Chinese New Year, the Lion Dance Lion dances a celebratory dance to usher in prosperity and fortune. For the rest of the year, it is left abandoned, jobless and struggling in the wilderness.

Director’s Bio: Wesley Leon Aroozoo is currently a 2nd year film student at Nanyang Technological University. His previous short films have been screened and awarded in film festivals locally and abroad. He is currently in the midst of post production with his 7th short film entitled ‘Kissing Faces’.

May 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
Sand & Sorrow - Narrated by George Clooney, directed by Paul Freedman

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SAND & SORROW / 2007 / Paul Freedman / USA / 93min / Colour / PG

Offered exclusive and unparalleled access to the situation on the ground inside Darfur, Peabody award-winning filmmaker, Paul Freedman ("Rwanda - Do Scars Ever Fade?"), joins a contingent of African Union peacekeeping forces in Darfur while a tragic and disturbing chapter in human history unfolds. While the heroic men and women of this undermanned and under-funded mission brave harsh conditions and unfettered violence, as many as 2.5 million displaced persons have no choice but to settle inside squalid camps to wait and hope. (An estimated four-hundred thousand civilians have perished so far.)

While analyzing the historical events that have given rise to an Arab-dominated government's willingness to kill and displace its own indigenous African people, “Sand and Sorrow” also examines the international community's “legacy of failure” to respond to such profound crimes against humanity in the past. But while immersed in the despairing crisis of our time, Freedman manages to give voice to the ever-growing and inspiring movement of those who wish to make “Never Again” finally mean something.

May 2009

The Substation & SIFF Present :
SIFF Short Film Finalist Re-Screening

1) 5 FILMS IN AN ANTHOLOGY OF A FILM A MONTH - winner - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY 5 films
By David Shiyang Liu / Singapore / 2009 / NC16 / 22 min
A series of five vignettes centered on each of the five human senses.

Little sparks of intrigue and wit draw the viewer deep into beguiling stories of loss and love in this anthology, set in Australia and Singapore. Inspired by the music of the Nine Inch Nails, and with quiet affection, the vignettes present small quirks of human nature, centered upon each of the five senses.

David Shiyang Liu has a background in photography and design. His recent commercial works include a Behind the Scenes featurette for Australia’s Channel 9 drama Underbelly. His other film 4444 was lauded at the Canon DV Festival and The Substation’s Singapore Shorts Film Festival.

2) DISTANCEdistance
By Ong Zheng Kai / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 10 min
A family mishap leads a young man to reconsider his plans to leave home.

A tender but tenuous relationship between a grandson and his grandmother is at the heart of this short film. Zheng Kai is preparing to leave home to go abroad when his grandmother has a fall, forcing him to re-evaluate his responsibilities and ambitions. Quietly poignant, the past and the future echo throughout the film, revealing the distance between the generations in contemporary society.

Ong Zheng Kai produced a 16mm short film as part of a workshop conducted in 2006. He went on to freelance in film and photography productions before working as a development executive in a production company. He is currently pursuing a film education with LASALLE.

3) DREAMING KESTER kester
By Martin Hong Cho Ann / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 14 min

As a boy struggles with growing up, his head fills with nostalgic dreams of childhood.

Kester wakes up one morning to find an adult narration stuck in his head, foretelling the confining structures of adulthood to come. He embarks on a mission of struggle against the ‘adultists’ while simultaneously rediscovering his childhood dreams. Charmingly shot, this is an artful elegy to childhood memories.

Martin Hong was born in Singapore in 1990 and worked closely with family, teachers, and friends to make his short film.

4) HUSH BABY - SPECIAL MENTION AWARD hush baby
By Tan Wei Keong / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 3 min
A sheet of paper, a pair of scissors, and a fussy baby meet in a battle of wits.

Overturning the popular association of animation with children’s entertainment, Hush Baby depicts a baby’s struggle against confinement and restriction. The many expressive faces of a baby are brought to life with dark humour and wit as the film imaginatively explores a different facet of animation.

Tan Wei Keong’s animated short film White was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the 20th Singapore International Film Festival. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Animation at the School of Art, Design and Media.

5) LEAVING MEleaving me
By Tee Pao Chew / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 9 min
The slow decay of a relationship, reflected through a television screen.

The melodrama of a soap opera is set up in high contrast to the silent tension between the couple watching it. Shot in hues of green and yellow, the narrative subjectivities of the four characters parallel each other, yet are in a constant state of manipulation and distortion.

Tee Pao Chew recently graduated from RMIT University with a degree in Communications. Leaving Me is the third short film he has directed and it is written for his final-year project.


6) MADAM CHAN - winner - BEST ACTOR
By Wilson Yip / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 20 min
An elderly woman spends her entire holiday complaining about her family and irritating the friends travelling with her.

Filled with endless gripes about her familial troubles, Madam Chan joins her friends the Wongs on a local tour of Singapore, much to the annoyance of Mr Wong. As the group travels from one tourist spot to another, the truth behind Madam Chan’s complaints emerges, unveiling the vulnerability beneath her crotchety exterior.

Currently an active freelance director in the local industry, Wilson Yip actually started off with crewing and camerawork. His directorial works include TV shows, commercials, and corporate and short films. His still serves as a cinematographer occasionally, most recently on the feature Heng or Huat.


7) SHINGAPORU MONOGATARIshingaporu
By Hafidz Senor / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 12 min
An old man’s recollections about the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.

Stark, black-and-white shots of modern day Singapore are juxtaposed against grainy still photographs of wartime Singapore as the narrator, an eighty-year-old Malay man, recounts his memories about the Japanese Occupation. Based on conversations the director had with his grandfather, Shingaporu Monogatari is a compelling and sombre reminder of the war and the consequences it had on the people who lived through it.

Hafidz Senor studied film at Temasek Polytechnic’s Moving Images Programme. His interests include architecture, the visual arts, history and sociology and the whale hunters of Lamalera. Currently studying at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media, Hafidz enjoys volunteer work and hopes to surf someday.


8) SINK sink
By Kirsten Tan / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 11 min
A boy, a mysterious sink, and a meditation on life.

A chance encounter between a young boy and the sink he finds standing in the low-tides of a beach results in a spiritual connection between the two. Beautifully shot in 16mm black-and-white and richly textured with symbolism, Sink is a meditative exploration of childhood innocence and adult experience, of love and loss.

The greatest feeling Kirsten Tan ever had was walking out of a cinema feeling inspired by a film. Thus began her desire to make them. Since then, her films have been screened in more than twenty film festivals, garnering over ten international awards. She is currently based in New York City.


9) SWIMMING LESSON - winner - BEST FILM & BEST DIRECTOR swimming lesson
By Kat Goh Phek Siang / Singapore / 2009 / PG / 13 min
An over-protective mother gains new understanding from an old memory.

On the way to the airport, a mother frets over her daughter, who is leaving home for the first time. Suddenly, she finds herself on a curious detour that plumbs muddy memories, only to surface with a dazzling lesson in both life and swimming.

A veteran of television production, Kat Goh is one of the few female filmmakers to emerge from Singapore. Cutting her teeth on epic TV productions during an eight-year stint at both MCS and Channel U, Kat’s work on the small screen includes the highly-rated comedy series Durian King (2004), which won three PROMAX awards including Best Actress.

april 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take April

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MAIN SPONSOR FOR FIRST TAKE: KODAK. Please click here for the Kodak website.

1. COFFEE: BLACK / RICH HO / 7 MIN / 2008 / PG

Coffee: Black is about a man at a café who does everything in his power to savor his perfect cup of coffee. He keenly absorbs every nuance of feeling in the experience only to discover that he had accidentally forfeited the most essential element of all.

Rich has spent his life in mainstream education being infamous. After more than 15 films and awards, including being the 1st Singaporean digital short film nominee in the 2004 Taipei Golden Horse Awards, “Coffee: Black” reflects Rich’s mischievous nature in film by playing with the audience’s perceptions.

2. YAKUSHA CO. LTD / SREEJITH RAMANAN / 30 MIN / 2008yakusha

Fueda is a veteran stand actor at the Guinness Theatre and has been waiting for 20 years for a big break. He practices for his heyday with devotion but one day on reaching the theatre, he discovers he is needed no more… The final moments of an artist’s career turns into an endless quest into the lunatic zones of performance. In the flux of a contemporary culture industry a stand actor becomes a muted shadow. In the days of digital reproduction & multimedia senses, a manual experience becomes simply replaceable.

Yakusha Co. Ltd is a zero budget digital production by a group of artists from various Asian countries. This short film is directed by Sreejith Remanan, a young theatre artist from India collaborating with Baby Hee, an experienced artistic collaborator from Monsoon Asia Art Gallery, Singapore (Camera and Editing) & Uichiro Fueda, a veteran from the Japanese instrumental acting practice (Main Lead) who shapes into a stand actor & Gokul Alex from India (Screenplay).

3. VIOLIN & TEA / DEREK WEE / 21 MIN / 2007 / PGviolintea

Angela & Dad. Natalie & Mom. Everything and everyone is connected, some way, some how. You & Me. Who’s to say what’s right or wrong? A story about love, friendship and life’s mysterious ways.

A recipient of Media Education Scheme Scholarship by Media Development of Authority Singapore (MDA), Derek was a producer and copywriter with a local production house before embarking on his dream to make films. He has made numerous short films to date.

March 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take - MARCH

MAIN SPONSOR FOR FIRST TAKE: KODAK. Please click here for the Kodak website.

1. CONTEMPLATION / CLEMENT CHUA / 8 MIN / 2008 / G

CONTEMPLATION traces the journey a man embarks on as he walks around his neighborhood after realizing he's slowly losing his sight. Even as his vision weakens and deteriorates, he struggles to come to terms with it. Will he just lose his optical vision or will he lose his life's vision as well?

Clement always endeavors to impact rather than impress in all his works. He has directed for television, films and stage plays and finds directing therapeutic for the soul and strongly believes in film as a viable and beautiful outlet for creative expression.

2. UNCLEBOY / JANNAH MONJIAT / 24 MIN / 2007 /

Uncleboy is an unfortunate lover of alcohol. This is a documentary that shows his life as he had lived. Watch as he decides to change hi life for the better and leave his demons behind.

Jannah Monjiat is a graduate from Republic Polytechnic with a love for music films & the arts.

3. NO TEN DOLLARS RIDE / VIGNESWARAN RAJKUMAR / 8 MIN / 2008 / notendollars

The documentary documents two trishaw riders and the tiring work of this backbreaking profession. In a series of short interviews, the film reveals a trishaw rider’s average earnings and some of the unpleasant experiences they often face at work. References are also made to the recent bullying incident where three foreigners picked on an old trishaw rider.

Vignes is a fresh and avid filmmaker who likes to explore new ideas and concepts through the visual medium. He is actively involved in the local broadcast scene as an editor and producer. This is his first short documentary film.

4. PLATFORM 1932 / NAWWAR SYAHIRAH / 24 MIN / 2008 / PGplatform1932

The once grand Tanjong Pagar Railway Station is fading away, but it remains significant to an atypical ‘community’ of diverse individuals, linked not only by the fact that their life stories would be incomplete without the existence of the Station, but also by their shared desire to preserve their own ways of life in a shared space between Singapore and Malaysia.

Nawwar believes that in today’s world of saturated popular culture, the voice of lesser-known features of society will give audiences a refreshing perspective, and with this project, she hopes to create an insightful documentary on a slice of Singapore’s forgotten history.

February 2009

The Substation Moving Images Presents :
First Take - February 2009

1. CRYING IN THE DARK / B. Prasanna / 26 MIN / 2007 / PG crying

Madhu Goswami is a visually handicapped but daring, confident woman. She narrates some of her experiences from a book on her life story to a newfound friend. But just as the book closes and the story ends, the truth begins to unfold.

Director’s Bio: Prasanna is a student doing his final semester in Electrical Engineering in NUS. He has always been very passionate about films, and has made two short films CRYING IN THE DARK and POETRY AT DUSK. He aspires to become a serious filmmaker.

 

2. SYNCHRONICITY SERIES / EILEEN REYNOLDS / 3 MIN / 2008 / PGsynchronicity

The SYNCHRONICITY SERIES is an animated series shot and performed in Little India and at The School of Art, Media & Design, NTU in Singapore. It is a migrant artist’s interpretation of living as an outsider and an alien in a foreign land where conformity is seen as admirable and where the government takes pride in its systems of order, cooperation & control.

This 2 min video is the result of 12 consecutive weekends spent choreographing, animating & performing improvised formations within the urban space.

Director’s Bio: Beginning her art career working primarily in painting & photography, Eileen Reynolds went on to work in the film and television industry. Along with shooting various independent short films, she was Director of Photography for the Pow Wow, Gathering of Nations, a video series distributed by FOX TV. Eileen continues to exhibit her personal artwork, consisting of painting, photography & stop-motion animation. For the past 3 years, she has been an Asst. Prof. Of Animation in the School Of Art, Design & Media at NTU.

 

3. FENCES / KELVIN KE / 7 MIN / 2007 / fences

Kenneth and Raja usually meet up before a game of street soccer. Both of them not only grew up together but they are the best of friends. Just before one of their games, they wait for time to pass.

FENCES details the story of two young men who shares a bond that goes beyond race and ethnicity. It is a quiet and contemplative film that examines the mood and attitudes of working class males in multiracial Singapore.

Director’s Bio: Kelvin Ke Jinde graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film at the Putnam School of Film, La Salle, majoring in Cinematography. He was formerly from Ngee Ann Poly FSV. Kelvin Ke is interested in content development and media production. He enjoys creating and crafting programs that will entertain and inform audiences through his works. His earlier short film, Caramel, was selected for the 4th Winnipeg International Film Festival 2008, Bridge International Film Festival 2008 and 5th Singapore Short Cuts. His other short film, The Plan was recently screened at The Substation First Take in October 2008.

 

4. (S)439956 / ELGIN HO / 7 MIN / 2008 / PGs439956

A reflective journey through one’s memory that will bring us closer to our hearts; a visual diary of a little corner in Singapore called Katong during the 90s. This film was made to challenge the conventional boundaries between a documentary and a fictional film.

Director’s Bio: Born in Hong Kong, Elgin Ho was exposed to the film industry as early as five years old. He is currently pursuing his B.A. in Fine Arts (Digital Film Major) at NTU ADM. His previous short films, Foreign Dreams & Nineteen Twenties have made appearances in film festivals around the world receiving numerous awards.

January 2009

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take - January 2009

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First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. SCENES FROM A BREAK-UP / MARK KWAN / 7 MIN / / (pictured top right)

A story of a marriage that has broken down, told documentary-style, from the contrasting points of view of the husband and the wife.

Mark is a teacher and a film buff, he has directed a few short films and was the recipient of two merit awards at the 2006 National Scriptwriting Competition (Feature Film and Television Pilot). He is presently working on a feature-length script, LIES, a contemporary drama about the secret lives of two seemingly picture-perfect couples.

2. A SOFT PRAYER FOR THE ONE / CHUA JINGDU / 3 MIN / / (not pictured)

A really short story about a guy takes a bus ride and decides to perform a simple act of love in the purest way.

Jingdu (JD) graduated from the School of Film and Media Studies, Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He specializes in screenwriting and has directed a few films and videos. JD loves and usually does drama thrillers; PRAYER is his first work of a different genre.

3. OUR LAST DAY / KENNY TAN / 32 MIN / 2007 / PG (pictured, middle)

17 year-old Midori Nakamura leaves suburban Yokohama (Japan) with her family, and settles in to a new life in cosmopolitan Singapore. Shy and reserved, she finds it daunting and difficult adjusting to city-life in a foreign country, till she meets 15 year-old Reiko Sakaguchi, a cheery, outspoken girl studying in the same college.

"OUR LAST DAY, my 2nd short film, was an exciting attempt to write and direct a “local-foreign” film, with the notion of fusion and cross-cultural interaction that has always interested me. This project also seeks to transform and give Singapore’s stereotypical urban landscape a fresh new perspective. OUR LAST DAY is my 3rd production attempt and my 2nd short film after LORONG 27 (2003) and 12:17 (music video) (2004)."

4. URBAN INVASION / GRACE TENG / 5 MIN / 2008 / PG (pictured, bottom)

What happens when forces conspire to prevent you from enjoying as simple a pleasure as reading a book? This film is a short, quirky look at the nature of urban interaction.

Grace Teng is an amateur filmmaker currently without a paying job. Previous films include MURPHY’S LAW (screened at First Take), IV LEAGUE and SUFFERING FOR SUCCESS (part of the S-Express Programme at the Asian Film Symposium). She is currently working on a stop-motion film.

December 2008

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
Four Films by Woo Ming Jin

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*Includes post-screening Q&A with writer/director Woo Ming Jin

Film Programme

1. BLUE ROOF / 13min / 2007 / PG

Albert, a security guard in an apartment complex, is a middle aged man who walks with a limp, and is obsessed with collecting news articles on car accidents. Each morning, during his rounds, he goes up to the rooftop, and contemplates suicide. Will he ever jump?

Festivals & Awards: Rotterdam International Film Festival 2008, 12th Pusan International Film Festival 2007

2. CATCHING THE SEA / 13min / 2005 / PG

Catching the Sea is a short film about the lives of several people in a village after a mysterious disease strikes and kills their loved ones. Set in a dilapidating fishing island, the film is about reconciling death and moving on with life.

3. LOVE FOR DOGS / 24min / 2003 / PG

Love for Dogs tells two parallel stories; A construction worker returns to his hometown and tries to reconnect with his daughter after abandoning his family to work in Cambodia. The second story follows Lily, an overweight girl living with her aunt and dealing with the absence of her immediate family.

Festivals & Awards: Bangkok Short Film Festival (Special Mention Award), Digital MOV Festival 2005, Manila (Best Asian Short Film), Rotterdam International Film Festival 2005, Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2004, New York Asian American International Film Festival 2004, New Talents, Young Cinema Film Festival, Taiwan

4. IT IS POSSIBLE MY HEART CANNOT BE BROKEN / 16min / 2005 / PG

It is Possible Your Heart Cannot Be Broken is a short film about the innocence and disintegration of love. It tells the story between two people, Apple and Ah Tat, told in two different perspectives. Ah Tat, a dreamy simpleton romantic meets the jaded but equally insecure Apple. Can these two people - obviously completely different yet yearning for the same thing- sustain their relationship?

“This is a big city, but sometimes it’s the loneliest place.”

Festivals & Awards: Rotterdam International Film Festival 2006, Los Angeles Asia Pacific Film Festival 2006, Singapore International Film Festival 2006, Hawaii International Film Festival 2006

 

Director’s Statement:

My films have focused on nature and its relationship with humanity. I have always been fascinated by the “beauty of ruins”. Nature is an element that man must live with, and that is something that plays out in my films. In these films, the characters struggle to reconcile their broken lives with their surroundings. Each character is flawed, and none of them has a solution to fix themselves.

Each film is framed and lit the way I intended, and in some ways, they reflect my thoughts and views of the world. These four shorts best represent my work as an artist. The stories are small and intimate, but they are also powerful and poignant. They are also funny.

 

About Woo Ming Jin (Writer/Director)

Ipoh born Malaysian filmmaker, Woo Ming Jin, is an award-winning filmmaker who studied film and television at the San Diego State University after receiving a scholarship in 1999.

His feature film debut, Monday Morning Glory, premiered at the San Francisco International Film Festival, and was invited to the Berlin International Film Festival, the first Malaysian film selected in the last 10 years. It was also selected to the Pusan International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Locarno International Film Festival, among others.

His second feature film, The Elephant and the Sea, has five awards and has been selected to screen in more than 30 film festivals worldwide, including the Rotterdam, Los Angeles, Seattle, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Torino, and Karlovy Vary Film Festivals.

This year Ming Jin received a script grant from the Pusan Film Festival for his next feature, Woman on Fire Looks for Water.

December 2008

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
The Best of First Take 2008

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For this special screening, we are presenting the audience favourites of each month, and a final vote is cast for the Top Favourite of First Take 2008! Come watch the most popular First Take films of each month and cast your vote to support your favorite film!

Top Favourite of First Take 2008:

FLYER / 19 MIN / HELMI YUSOF

Walking down a busy street, a reporter is handed a flyer that reads: “Would you like to die? Visit us at Block 108, Kallang Way.” He goes to the address to investigate but gets sucked into a bizarre world of shadows and enigma. His colleagues try to rescue him, but they too become ensnared…

THE MITRE SPELL / 15 MIN / TONY KERN

<Director for A MONTH OF HUNGRY GHOST>

THE MITRE SPELL began as a curious query more than anything. Coming from the States, I was fascinated with Singapore's slight obsession with the supernatural and began location scouting spooky places for inspiration. I was soon directed to the now defunct Mitre Hotel, which still has a few tenants and operates as a bar... sort of. What started off as a one night visit and a few questions, soon became a fledgling documentary project.At the Mitre, there was an endless supply of quirky answers that inevitably gave rise to more questions. We started recording interviews on tape and were given permission to roam the premise for a time. Soon it would seem, I too came under the Mitre spell and became fascinated with the old place. This is part of the story.

WHITE / Tan Wei Keong / 2 min / 2006

Singapore International Film Festival finalist in 2007

A man, dissatisfied with a white cube for a head, decides to give it up immediately for a fanciful one in the name of self-improvement.

Wei Keong is currently studying animation at the School of Art, Design and Media in Nanyang Technological University. “White” was completed as a school assignment in 2006. It was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the Singapore International Film Festival 2007. Wei Keong is now working on his thesis project, “A Flash of Happiness” which he hopes will be significant enough to make a mental impact in the audiences’ mind.

COMMA / 3 MIN / EZZAM RAHMAN

“Life is similar to a cup of tea, once the cup is broken, the tea remains as tea.”

Anonymous

DI MANAKAN KU CARI GANTI (WHERE CAN I FIND A REPLACEMENT) / 16MIN / SHAFIQ ISKANDAR

A subjective video in the style of a documentary about P. Ramlee and the fall of Malay Film Industries during the 70s, of how they have been forgotten by the people today and to bring back memories of what it is to be called the golden era of film at that time. Could we have another P. Ramlee today?

SHUT IN / 23min / PAMELA PANG

Shut In explores the dysfunctional world of Jason, a young urban hermit whose solitary lifestyle is disrupted when Janice, a vivacious young woman turns up unexpectedly at his front door. A beautiful chemistry develops. Janice brings life and vitality to Jason, something that was lost to him when he shut himself in. But it seems that Janice has a little secret and as with all secrets, it eventually unravels.

[Intermission]

ELECTRONICA, I LOVE YOU / 20 MIN / SEAN LI-WEN CHEONG

A portrait of the accidental dissolution of human relationships, set against the backdrop of hollow, superficial and volatile electronic communication. Peggy (Neo Swee Lin), a lonely retiree hooked on American soap operas, has an introverted son, who suffers from social anxiety disorder. They live in the same house but exit in completely different realities that never converge.

IN OUR OWN WORDS / Melinda Tan / 17 min / 2008 / PG

What is the definition of normality? Two young kidney patients go on a quest to challenge society’s perception of them. In the process, they discover their own ability to redefine what being normal is all about.

TAK DONG CHENG / Suffian Zainuddin / 36 min /2008 / PG

Best Friends Jas and Farid are interested in learning lion dance. However, they face many obstacles and challenges while learning a different culture. In a multi-cultural country such as Singapore, will they be able to realize their dreams?

[Final votes, vote-counting and prize-giving]

November 2008

The Substation & SIFF Are Pleased to Announce :
THE SUBSTATION IS SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM
FESTIVAL (SIFF)’S NEW HOME!

siffts

Singapore, 17 November 2008 – The Substation and the Singapore International Film
Festival (SIFF) announced today that the SIFF’s Secretariat Office will be housed within Th e
Substation, the contemporary arts centre, for its future festival editions. This move deepens
the venue partnership arrangement that The Substation and the SIFF have enjoyed in the
past years, and also provides greater opportunities for collaboration between the two
partners.

Being housed in such an open, diverse and versatile arts space as The Substation will
certainly encourage dialogues and exchanges between artists, filmmakers and audiences for
the SIFF during its festival. “The collaboration of two long-standing and respected arts &
cultural organisations means greater things can happen. The SIFF plans to create a more
dynamic environment for the Singapore film industry to thrive and being here allows us to
hear the heartbeat of the film community because that is the forte of The Substation. Setting
up our festival secretariat office at The Substation and expanding our partnership is a natural
move for us because both our organisations play a large and important part in making the
Singapore film community what it is today, especially during the time when there were less
funding schemes and film events in the landscape. The Substation’s dedication to
supporting an artist’s process is something very close to our heart as well.” comments Ms
Wahyuni A. Hadi, Festival Director, SIFF.

The Substation has a long history of supporting emerging local and overseas artists,
including filmmakers and is Singapore’s first independent arts centre. Furthermore, The
Substation’s Moving Images programme was Singapore’s first year-round programme
dedicated to independent and short films and was established in 1997. “The Moving Images
programme is known for its diverse and innovative programming focusing on experimental
and short films as well as documentaries with the aim of nurturing filmmakers and to create
an international networking platform where established and fledgling filmmakers can create
meaningful dialogue. The SIFF is widely recognised for its cutting edge programming and
focus on Asian cinema and is a valuable platform for new Singapore films. The SIFF’s
choice to base themselves at The Substation is a perfect meeting of synergies and creates a
true Home for Singapore film,” elaborates Audrey Wong, artistic co-director of The
Substation.

Building on the success of last year’s Filmmakers Network Party, the SIFF plans to convert
The Substation’s Gallery into The Festival Lounge for local and international filmmakers to
meet, interact and carry out artistic exchanges during the 12-day festival period. It will be
the social activity hub and a space that will spark knowledge-exchange and create both
creative and business opportunities for participants and partners alike.

The SIFF also unveiled today that its 22nd edition will take place from 14th to 25th April
2009. Audiences can look forward to the festival’s extensive programming of over 150 films
as well as its signature fresh, bold and award-winning films in several sections including the
long-running Silver Screen Awards, World Cinema and newly introduced Singapore
Panorama etc. Selection for its 2009 films is currently ongoing, and a press conference will
be held in February 2009 to officially announce the programme.

In celebration of Singapore films and filmmakers, and more importantly, to give recognition
to their achievements, the SIFF will also launch the Singapore Film Awards in its Silver
Screen Awards section. This all-new Awards will consider all Singapore feature films made
in 2008 and award excellence in the following 5 categories: Best Film; Best Director; Best
Screenplay; Best Performance; and Best Cinematography. All Singapore filmmakers and
producers with eligible feature films are encouraged to submit their films to the SIFF, with
entries closing 20 December 2008. (Please refer to Annex A for more details on the
Singapore Film Awards).

Jointly issued by SIFF and The Substation.

November 2008

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. Together / Ivy Lee / 31 min / 2008 / PG

Bee’s boyfriend QQ insists to spend a Christmas holiday at her home. However, Bee always finds her family an embarrassment and does not wish to let QQ meet her ugly family. Thus, she conjures up all sorts of funny ideas to chase her family away. However, QQ turns out to a cheat...

Ivy likes to work on social issues and loves getting story ideas from friends’ experiences and daily news reports. For e.g., many young people today have placed their love relationships prior to kinship. “Together” is a short film that reminds everyone the importance of family, and that there is no place like home. “Together” is also her final year film project that unites her teachers and classmates in Hong Kong together with film students from various polytechnics in Singapore. The film is also a co-production with Ad Infinitum Films, headed by The Substation’s Associate Artist Kelvin Sng.

2. A Fistful of Yusof Ishaks / Nelson Yeo / 4 min / 2008 / PG

A son witnesses his father confront a long-awaited assassin sent by his arch-nemesis.

Nelson Yeo graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with a diploma in digital media design. During his poly stint, he clinched 2 prestigious crowbar awards: Gold for animation “One-armed swordsman” & Bronze for an experimental short “The Experiment”. Aside from his studies, Nelson also works on independent film projects. This is the first piece he is submitting for competitions. Nelson is currently majoring in digital filmmaking in the NTU School of Art, Design & Media.

3. Tak Dong Cheng / Suffian Zainuddin / 36 min /2008 / PG

Best Friends Jas and Farid are interested in learning lion dance. However, they face many obstacles and challenges while learning a different culture. In a multi-cultural country such as Singapore, will they be able to realize their dreams?

Suffian’s interest in filmmaking started from his many back packing trips with friends. Armed with a camcorder and digital camera, their enthusiastic and trigger-happy selves always resulted in hours of footages and piles of pictures. Shorter footages of the trips in the form of music videos were made and the passion for filmmaking soon followed.

His first short film, “Mat Superhero” was first screened at The Substation in 2007.

 

october 2008

The Substation Moving Images Programme Presents :
First Take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. In Our Own Words / Melinda Tan / 17 min / 2008

What is the definition of normality? Two young kidney patients go on a quest to challenge society’s perception of them. In the process, they discover their own ability to redefine what being normal is all about.

Melinda Tan is a Psychology graduate from the National University of Singapore with interests in the arts, film and literature. She was Vice President (Programmes) of nuSTUDIOS Film Productions, a student film production house under the NUS Centre For the Arts, where she pursued her love for films beyond its production through promoting film appreciation via film outreach platforms and programmes. In Our Own Words marks her first directorial effort in short film. Her new film CASHLESS is currently in post-production.

2. A Series of Brief Conversations / Na Xin Yi / 10 min / 2007

Is it better to learn from mistakes and make more of them, or to abide by rules as much as possible? A student and a teacher talk about the virtues and drawbacks of schooling and conformity while waiting for a video to upload to the web. An attempt at non-linear narrative.

As a child in Temasek Secondary, Na Xin Yi spent most of her time daydreaming about being Darth Vader and telling people interesting happenings in her life. She also remembers vividly the first film she acted in and made was titled “Ghosts are Friendly.” She enjoys making films because she gets to do things people normally don’t get to do, like climbing over fences.

3. The Plan / Kelvin Ke / 17 min / 2008

The Plan tells the fragmented stories of three characters as they grow into the world of adulthood. A social escort, a gambler and a happy-go-lucky drifter find their lives spinning out of control as they try to cope with the cost that comes with it.

Kelvin Ke is a pioneer graduate of La Salle’s Putnam School of Film who writes, directs and photographs all his films. His short film ‘Caramel’ was selected for Winnipeg International Film Festival, Bridge International Film Festival and for the 5th Singapore Short Cuts.

4. 5000 NTD / Raymond Tan / 7 min / 2008

"5000 NTD" revolves around two desperate buddies who amateurishly invade a convenience store, and later engage in an embroilment while tallying the loot. Feeling disturbed and unsettled, one of the buddies seeks revenge by pulling an act which will ultimately affect their relationship and lives forever.

An engineer by degree, but a filmmake at heart, Raymond Tan spends time outside his day job fulfilling his passion in filmmaking. His debut short feature "the rebound", won The Substation's First Take Audience Award in August 2005. In 2007. his feature-length script "The Season" was shortlisted in the "Pitch-A-Movie@ CANNES" competition organised by Cinetopia. "5000 NTD", which he wrote, produced and directed, was shot entirely in Taiwan with enormous enthusiasm and a puny budget.

september 2008

The Substation Moving Images and Cathay Picturehouse Present :
Asian Film Symposium 2008

AFS

A highly regarded film programme that brings together exceptional local and regional independent films and filmmakers and includes “S-Express”, a regional travelling short film programme. Screenings, workshops, forums, seminars and more!

Please check out the Asian Film Symposium website for more details!

August 2008

The Substation's Moving Images Presents :
First Take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

A portrait of the accidental dissolution of human relationships, set against the backdrop of hollow, superficial and volatile electronic communication. Peggy (Neo Swee Lin), a lonely retiree hooked on American soap operas, has an introverted son, who suffers from social anxiety disorder. They live in the same house but exit in completely different realities that never converge.

Electronica, I love you is Sean Li-wen Cheong’s forth short film directed with support of the Singapore Film Commission. He was from the WKW Sch. of Comm. and Info. at NTU and the Sch. of Film and Media Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He is also an English graduate from the University of London. 2008 marks his sixth year in production in both theatre and media. Sean is also a two-time award winner of the MDA Scriptwriting competition in 2004 and 2005 and has been scripting for numerous productions ever since. He is also an occasional film and theatre reviewer for print magazines. His other 3 short films have been screened as selection for both Singapore and international film festivals.

Eternal Recurrence is a reflection on the highs and lows of existence in the various karmic realms. Be absorbed in the metaphoric symbolism.

Malaysian-born Szu Kiong attended film courses in Objectifs and Media Academy. My Keys and Michelle are his first two short films that are supported by the Singapore Film Commission. Besides, he uses his mobile phone to capture videos of things he encounters and edits them into short films. These mini projects can be viewed on YouTube.

Stopdelete follows a young writer (played by Ruth Kan) who is trying to write a story depicting the end of Singapore. Commissioned by HSBC as part of Reel Revolution 2007.

An emerging young award-winning filmmaker, Shaun's short films have been recognized in various competitions including Reel Revolution, Yourfilm.sg, Singtel My Word! and the Canon/Digital Life DV Triathlon.

A portrait of the accidental dissolution of human relationships, set against the backdrop of hollow, superficial and volatile electronic communication. Peggy (Neo Swee Lin), a lonely retiree hooked on American soap operas, has an introverted son, who suffers from social anxiety disorder. They live in the same house but exit in completely different realities that never converge.

Electronica, I love you is Sean Li-wen Cheong’s forth short film directed with support of the Singapore Film Commission. He was from the WKW Sch. of Comm. and Info. at NTU and the Sch. of Film and Media Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He is also an English graduate from the University of London. 2008 marks his sixth year in production in both theatre and media. Sean is also a two-time award winner of the MDA Scriptwriting competition in 2004 and 2005 and has been scripting for numerous productions ever since. He is also an occasional film and theatre reviewer for print magazines. His other 3 short films have been screened as selection for both Singapore and international film festivals.

Eternal Recurrence is a reflection on the highs and lows of existence in the various karmic realms. Be absorbed in the metaphoric symbolism.

Malaysian-born Szu Kiong attended film courses in Objectifs and Media Academy. My Keys and Michelle are his first two short films that are supported by the Singapore Film Commission. Besides, he uses his mobile phone to capture videos of things he encounters and edits them into short films. These mini projects can be viewed on YouTube.

Stopdelete follows a young writer (played by Ruth Kan) who is trying to write a story depicting the end of Singapore. Commissioned by HSBC as part of Reel Revolution 2007.

An emerging young award-winning filmmaker, Shaun's short films have been recognized in various competitions including Reel Revolution, Yourfilm.sg, Singtel My Word! and the Canon/Digital Life DV Triathlon

 

July & August 2008

The Substation Presents :
5th Singapore Short Cuts

In its fifth year, Singapore Short Cuts is one of the most popular an widely anticipated showcases of local short films in Singapore.

This year's programme features new short films by acclaimed local filmmakers such as Kirsten Tan (Come), K Rajagopal (The New World), Anthony Chen (Haze) and Boo Junfeng (Bedok Jetty) as well as premieres of outstanding work from new and upcoming filmmakers including "Dreams of Youth" by Daniel Hui and "My Blue Heaven" by Yee-wei Chai.

In celebration of Singapore Short Cuts' fifth year there is a special screening on 12 July of some of the favourite Singapore Short Cuts films over the years.

All screenings will be followed by discussions with the filmmakers.

Sat 12 July (rated NC16) & Sat 2 August (rated R21) - The National Museum of Singapore - Gallery Theatre

Sat 19 (rated R21) & 26 July (rated NC16) - The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian Street

For more information please visit www.nationalmuseum.sg and go to "Other Events".

Presented by The Substation with support from National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Film Commission.

July to August 2008

The Substation Moving Images Presents :
Reel Revolution

rrev

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR SIGNING UP! NOW 20TH JULY!!

Reel Revolution is The Substation Moving Images youth film mentorship programme that uses film to explore and invoke social change. The programme pairs teams of youths, aged 15 to 35, with established filmmakers and challenges the youths to produce video essays on social issues. Participants can be filmmaking virgins or already on their way to being the next Tan Pin Pin and will be given the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from various civil society groups.

This year’s theme is “Our Environment” which is a pretty broad topic but can be construed as ruining our environment, saving our environment, our social environment, a working environment or anything else as long as it’s about the environment!

This year’s mentors are Jasmine Ng, Jeremy Sing, Kelvin Sng, Eng Yee Peng, Ric Aw, Kenny Tan and Eric Lim.

Important dates:
4th July – Reel Revolution Introductory Seminar
12th July – Learning Talks 1
19th July – Learning Talks 2

20th July – Mentorship Programme Application Deadline

15th August – Video Submission
30th August – Reel Revolution Powwow

4th July – Reel Revolution Introductory Seminar (The Substation, 7 - 9pm)
Find out what Reel Revolution is all about, how to make a short film with maximum impact, how to make a video essay and how to start a revolution! Meet last year's top Reel Revolution filmmakers and the mentors. Watch their works and be inspired! Also, grab your chance to apply for the Reel Revolution film mentorship programme after the seminar! To attend, please register by 3rd July 2008.

12th July – Learning Talks 1: Meet the Changemakers (The Substation, 7.30 - 10.30pm)
Be exposed to fresh insights and refreshing perspectives at talks conducted by various changemakers from civil society. It is a meet-and-greet session to learn, share ideas and be inspired for your next film.

The speakers for this session are:

Mr. Brown from mrbrown.com, Alex Au from yawningbread.org, Ria Tan from Wild Singapore and Gerald Giam from The Online Citizen.
To attend, please register by 11th July.

19th July – Learning Talk 2: Meet the Changemakers (Singapore Art Museum, 7.30 – 10.30pm)
Be exposed to fresh insights and refreshing perspectives at talks conducted by various changemakers from civil society. It is a meet-and-greet session to learn, share ideas and be inspired for your next film.

The speakers for this session are:

- NMP Siew Kum Hong, Daniel Tung from Action For Aids, Sivasothi from the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity and John Gee from Transient Workers Count Too.
To attend, please register by 18th July.

30th August – Reel Revolution Powwow (Singapore Art Museum, 7.30 – 10.30pm)
Teams from the mentorship programme will screen their completed video essays and four short-listed teams will lead discussions on their topics. Throw in your 2 cents worth at the Powwow and discover how films can be used for a greater cause. The announcement for the winners will take place as well! Those interested in the topics raised may also participate in online discussion at http://revolution.youth.sg/forum

* Admission to all events are free and open to the public but places are limited so register early! For details and updates, visit revolution.youth.sg or contact Beng Kheng, Programme Manager – Moving Images at 6337 7535 or email bengkheng@substation.org

* Applications for the Reel Revolution Mentorship programme are now open.
* An administrative fee of $5 per team member applies.

July 2008

The Substation's Moving Images Presents :
First Take

ft

Shut In explores the dysfunctional world of Jason, a young urban hermit whose solitary lifestyle is disrupted when Janice, a vivacious young woman turns up unexpectedly at his front door. A beautiful chemistry develops. Janice brings life and vitality to Jason, something that was lost to him when he shut himself in. But it seems that Janice has a little secret and as with all secrets, it eventually unravels.

Pamela Pang recently graduated from the Wee Kim Wee Sch. of Comm. and Information in NTU. An aspiring director and a perennial movie enthusiast of diverse genres from Hollywood blockbusters to Wong Kar Wai art films, and even Japanese animation films. Shut In is Pamela’s directorial debut film.

Tim wakes up like any other morning anticipating for the new day. When he reaches the door, he finds he has lost the keys to the door for him to go to work. Desperately he prays to the statute of the Goddess of Mercy. His fate lies in her hands.

After taking courses in Objectifs and Singapore Media Academy, Szu Kiong went on to make his first short film “My Keys”.

A life lost. A brotherhood betrayed. Kieran struggles to accept the return of his brother Kenneth from prison. The night before Kenneth's release, Kieran goes on a joyride in his father's car - only to pick up a mysterious passenger who helps him remember the symbiotic kinship he once treasured with his brother. Forgiveness is difficult, but worth it.

Ever since he wrote his first script for an international creative problem-solving competition when he was 15, Darrell discovered that he might have a penchant for writing articulate nonsense that can only be appreciated by the most discerning people (or so he contends). This law student is keen to try new things that provide different challenges, moving from playing chess and pool (neither of which he is good at – which is why he decided to switch interests), to writing and directing his first short film, Pardon Me (2007). He secretly harbours an ambition to watch any Broadway musical so he can appear classy to his friends, never exercises, and believes that walking on water is only a matter of good balance.

JUNE 2008

The Substation Moving Images presents :
First Take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. 20th Anniversary: Pak and Son Travels / Aroozoo Wesley Leon / 20 min/ 2007 (PG)

20th Anniversary: Pak and Son Travels tells the story of a travel agency ran by a father and son team in Singapore in the 1970s. To commemorate the travel company’s 20th anniversary, Pak and Son Travels has decided to have a documentary filmed about its joyous 20th anniversary party. But all doesn’t go well when the father and son’s relationship crumbles with false hope of a joyous day.

Aroozoo is currently an undergraduate at the NTU School of Arts, Design and Media, majoring in filmmaking. His other work, “Flicker”, was screened at the recent 4th Singapore Short Films Festival in March 2008.

2. 2 Minutes Away from Launch / Jaryl Lim / 3 min/ 2007 (G)

In a world where manta rays and moray eels roam the skies freely, and everything anybody wants is transported by catapult-delivery, birds have seemingly lost their foothold. Or have they? One pigeon, Einstein, decides that it’s high time birdkind took to the skies. He executes a variety of absurd methods to try to fly, while his companion, Fred, just skives, seemingly unfazed by anything. In the end, Einstein comes close to success, but was it really worth the effort for such a seemingly easy task for a bird?

Jaryl Lim really quite fancies doing work involved with media such as video and 3D modeling and animation. There would be new possibilities and something new to learn every single day even if he did this for the rest of his life. He doesn’t think he’d get much sleep at all, but the results are probably worth it.

3. Di Manakan Ku Cari Ganti (Where can I Find a Replacement) / Mohammad Shafiq / 16 mins / 2007 (PG)

A subjective video in the style of a documentary about P. Ramlee and the fall of Malay Film Industries during the 70s, of how they have been forgotten by the people today and to bring back memories of what it is to be called the golden era of film at that time. Could we have another P. Ramlee today?

Shafiq is a video artist who uses video art to expresses what he has in mind, which he cannot otherwise express.

MAY 2008

The Substation Moving Images Presents :
First Take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. 06112007 / Muhammad Azhar / 32 min / 2007

The film documents the artistic process of cleaning up the graves of 2 individuals who died on the day he was born. The artist has no form of relationship to the two individuals whose graves had not been visited for a while. The artist recorded his thoughts, emotions and experiences to the camera in a journal-like manner and through the process of self-reflection the artist expresses his views on life, death, mortality and purpose.

This is Azhar’s first attempt at a short film. He has been exploring the video medium for more than 6 years incorporating elements of Performance Art. Some of his achievements include participating in the “eye Speak” Art Exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum in 2005, where he exhibited a video installation as well as being awarded the MOE Art Elective programme Scholarship in 2003 and 2004. He is currently pursuing his degree at the NTU School of Art Design and Media, majoring in filmmaking.

2. , (comma) / Ezzam Rahman / 3 min / 2008

"Life is similar to a cup of tea, once the cup is broken, the tea remains as tea."
Anonymous

Ezzam is a practicing artist and he graduated from LASALLE SIA College of the Arts. As an artist, he has participated in numerous local and regional group exhibitions. Though Ezzam was trained as a sculptor, he is most comfortable with installation art and performance art. , is his first attempt in making experimental video. Ezzam enjoys talking to himself and smiles to sleep!

3. A Suicide Symphony / Deng Kaile / 23 min / 2007

Disillusioned with life,a lonely HDB dweller attempts to hang himself. Just next door, a young lady with a past to hide, slits her wrist. In a strange twist of fate, their attempts at suicide begin to converge, in more ways than one…

Kaile is from Nanyang Technological University. This is her debut directorial film, aiming to explore the fragmentation of society through the dark but humourous telling of two concurrent suicides.

March 2008

The Substation Moving images presents :
first take

first take

First Take, happening every 1st Monday of the month at The Substation, is a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!

1. September / Kevin Yang / 29 min / 2006

September narrates the love lives and emotional disconnections of three anonymous individuals in contemporary Singapore. Set against an urban but eerily isolated backdrop, the story is unfolded through a series of narrations and interwoven encounters in a non-chronological manner. The characters reflect on their individual struggles with love, faith and perhaps most importantly, memories.

Kevin is a Singapore-based photographer with a deep penchant for lush, cinematic colours in his works. His background stems from his immense passion and flair for the visual medium, particularly in photography and video production. He has taken part in various group exhibitions as well as won awards at the Singapore Youth Photography Competition in 2004. Kevin’s commercial clients include Corbis Images, ESPN Star Sports, University of Nevada Las Vegas and The Straits Times. His personal works have also been exhibited at The Arts House, Singapore History Museum, Hype Gallery and Jurong East Community Library.


2. Block 46 / Ghazi Alqudcy / 14 min / 2007

Block 46 tries to discover Singapore’s deepest secret about the mass suicide that happened on 6 April 2006. Not many know about this, as the media are not allowed to have coverage over this massacre. A total of 6 people committed suicide by jumping down from the top of the building to end their misery. This project was made as a Final Year Project through the course of Diploma in New Media under School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic.

Ghaz is currently a final-year student pursuing Diploma in New Media at School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic. He likes to make short films, and is a huge fan of Fly-by-Night film competition and also the MDA-Panasonic Digital Film Fiesta. Recently, he was awarded the Goh Chok Tong Youth Promise Award 2007. During his free time, Ghazi likes to help prepare dinner with his friends and indulge in a slumber party.

3. White / Tan Wei Keong / 2 min / 2006

A man, dissatisfied with a white cube for a head, decides to give it up immediately for a fanciful one in the name of self-improvement.

Wei Keong is currently studying animation at the School of Art, Design and Media in Nanyang Technological University. “White” was completed as a school assignment in 2006. It was awarded the Special Achievement Award at the Singapore International Film Festival 2007. Wei Keong is now working on his thesis project, “A Flash of Happiness” which he hopes will be significant enough to make a mental impact in the audiences’ mind.

SUBMISSIONS ARE WELCOME ALL YEAR ROUND! For more information or to screen your work at First Take, please visit our website at www.substation.org or contact Kristin Saw, Programme Manager of Moving Images at 6337 7535 / kristin@substation.org.

First Take is presented as part of The Substation Moving Images programme and supported by the Singapore Film Commission and Media Development Authority with MediAction!

march 2008

The Substation Moving Images presents :
4th Singapore Short Film Festival

4ssff

The 4th Singapore Short Film Festival is The Substation Moving Images’ biennial international short film event and in line with The Substation’s mission, we hope to encourage creativity and experimentation in independent artists. The films selected this year reflect such a spirit. Proudly held at The Substation’s blackbox Theatre, we aim to create an intimate environment for the artists and audience to interact and discuss about film. Each screening begins with a short talk by a local filmmaker, producer, film critic or programmer to share more about the craft and industry of significance of short films, and the evenings end with a coffee session at the Random Room.

Short films in general, are usually 30 minutes or under and are accessible, low risk, highly flexible forms for experimentation and exploration of visual vocablulary. Many of the shorts carry off-the-wall ideas, surrealist visuals and narrative hyrids that defy convention. These 31 short films selected come from different parts of the world such as the UK, the Netherlands, Israel, Iran, Portugal, and even our very own made-in-Singapore films. From a homage to Japanese slasher flicks (the Singapore premiere of "Kichiro" by Kelvin Sng), a surreal encounter with spaghetti (Marie Losier's "Flying Saucey!"), to a selection from the UK "Heartlines" series by EM Media in association with the UK Film Council, it would be a feast for the eyes indeed.

Two films will walk away with a Voice Award (International) and Voice Award (Singapore)! Winners to be announced on 17 March.

Come and celebrate the independent mind and the spirit of experimental film with us!

More info here