STORIES FROM THE HEARTLAND
August 2015,New Delhi: On the occasion of Singapore’s 50th birthday and the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between India and Singapore, the High Commission of Republic of Singapore in New Delhi has organised a Singapore Film Festival on 13, 14 & 16 August 2015 at Sri Fort Auditorium Complex, New Delhi, in partnership with the Directorate of Film Festivals, India (Ministry of information & Broadcasting). Seven films – both feature and shorts – by Singapore filmmakers on Singapore been screened. There was also happened workshops and post-screening dialogues with Singapore filmmakers Mr Boo Junfeng, Ms Sun Koh and Mr Jow Zhi Wei, who travelled to New Delhi for the festival. Entry to all events was open to public and free, on a first-come-first-served basis.
The theme for the festival is ‘Stories from the Heartland’. The term ‘Heartland’ is commonly used in Singapore to refer to the towns and neighbourhoods where people live, gather and play. Singapore is often known as a popular tourist and business destination, a futuristic city state in the tropics. The festival aims to present another side of Singapore. Through simple and yet powerful tales directed by the young wave of Singapore filmmakers, the films selected offer a glimpse into the daily life, culture and history of Singapore. The films also showcase a unique aspect of Singapore – its multiculturalism, where different races such as Chinese, Indians and Malays have to learn to live together in harmony. Each film screening was be followed by interactive sessions and quizzes based on the films.
To introduce the festival and Singapore’s film scene, Ms Sun Koh discussed about the Immigration, Multiculturalism and Singapore Cinema on the opening night on 13 August. On 14 August, in An Outing with Jow Zhi Wei: A Production Talk, Mr Jow had shared his journey as a filmmaker. Femme Sauvage is an interactive session with Ms Sun Koh, who told about her journey as a female film-maker in Singapore. The festival was rounded off on 16 August, with a Masterclass on the making of short films by Mr Boo Junfeng. The finale was a panel discussion Singapore Dreaming, where all three Singapore filmmakers had discuss contemporary Singapore films.
The festival was accompanied by a photography exhibition featuring breath-taking images that reveal fascinating facets of Singaporean culture and society. The photos, by young and talented Singaporean photographers Samuel He (www.weave.com.sg), Sam Chin (onthestreets.org), and Chia Aik Beng (www.aikbengchia.com), was displayed at the venue. Other Singapore offerings such as snacks, souvenirs and photo booths was also be available on the venue