The Singapore Memory Project (SMP) which aims to document moments related to Singapore, launched its first film festival last evening. Since 2011, the SMP has been leading the movement to document memories, past and present, of Singapore through various mediums such as photography, books and films. The SMP has officially unveiled memories of the Singaporean way of life through 'Rewind/Remind', its very first film festival. The Rewind/Remind film festival has been created to preserve and showcase memories of the Singaporean way of life as part of the country’s 50th year of independence celebrations. The Rewind/Remind was headlined by renowned local director Royston Tan’s “Old Friends,” filled with stories of those who pioneered the rich, authentic flavours of traditional Singaporean cuisine. Another three heartwarming short stories which were supported by the irememberSG Fund titled "Centrepoint Kids", "Kway Chap" and "The Violin", were also screened for the first time at the 'Rewind/Remind' film festival. Each film celebrates a different aspect of Singapore in unique and nostalgic ways. I am very glad to experience renewed love and pride for our nation after savoring these poignant stories last night! The guest of honour for the event was Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth as well as Second Minister for Communications and Information. (From left to right) The sharing session on the four local film directors' Royston Tan (Old Friends), Wee Li Lin (Centrepoint Kidz), Sun Koh (Kway Chap) and Ervin Han (The Violin) behind-the-scene moments were facilitated by the project manager of SMP, Yee Yeong Chong. More than anything they are just excited that people everywhere who are feeling what they feel and feel that will get to see that. They just want people to be able to relate to that. (From left to right) Besides Royston Tan, "Old Friends" was also co-directed by three other talented film directors, Boi Kwong, Alvin Lee and Debe Hoo. "Old Friends" is the final instalment of a trilogy after the successful screenings 2010's "Old Places" and 2012's "Old Romances" which document Singaporean dishes that are also disappearing as food courts and fast-food chains replace traditional hawker centres and coffee shops. The four directors of "Old Friends" revealed how they decided to give the audiences what they wanted - a glimpse into Singapore's unique hawker culture. The four films were breathtaking. There are moments when the audience – all adults – burst into laughter and I saw some indulged in deep thoughts and nostalgia. I like how certain scenes in the films can just make you think completely differently about the Singapore we now live in.
I must say that the four films were beautifully done on all fronts. The cinematography alone of these films are worth checking out, not to mention the stellar soundtrack and well-placed philosophical discussion that runs throughout the films. For the most parts, the ideas and philosophical routes explored in these films are very well thought out. Moreover, the presentation of these ideas and the eccentric personalities of those presenting them makes for a very thought provoking and interesting films. There are scenes in particular which seemed to intertwine intellect and passion in a very powerful way. Too often in art, these two get separated too far away from one another. The four directors present the two hand in hand with one another. The vivid imagery of these scenes combined with the deeply philosophical content genuinely makes for extraordinary filmmaking. The dialogue and storyline of these films are very concrete and tangible. All in all, the beautiful camera/animation combined with the quality soundtrack and the well-arranged philosophical input make these films one of the more interesting films you’re likely to ever see this year as part our nation celebration of SG50! 我希望可以借此向社会传递正能量,一部好的电影不应该是多宏大的画面,多奢华的表现力,而是应该在导演所表现的深意,这才是我眼中的好电影。这四个影品抛开一切华丽的修饰,用一种返璞归真的方法,揭露一段真实的旧时光。影片中的许多故事与情感都来源于制作团队的真实经历,这四位本地导演将这些都融入到电影中,希望可以通过他们的真实经历引起观众的共鸣。 不仅如此,影片还包含了许多新加坡社会热点话题,让这四个影品更加真实的贴近社会、贴近生活,观众们在观影的同时更容易溶于其中,看到一个现实的生活,也更容易看到生活中自己的影子。这四个影品作,各为一部小成本电影,在竞争力上或许不占优势,但是每部绝对是一部用心的好电影。我由衷感谢这几位本地导演 (Royston Tan, Boi Kwong, Alvin Lee, Debe Hoo, Wee Li Lin, Sun Koh and Ervin Han),他们的新加坡影品生活真实与内涵震撼每位新加坡人的内心世界。
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