What's On / Moving Images / Now Showing

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