Really Reel

This Too Shall Pass @14th Pusan International Film Festival

2010-05-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

I know, this notice is way way late...

Probably filmmakers are sending in their entries to the 15th PIFF... and what, i am talking about the 14th PIFF?

Well, you can then realise, how busy i was last year.

It was exciting to be picked for screening beyond Singapore's shores.

"This Too Shall Pass" was rejected by Yamagata Documentary Film Festival last year, but picked by 14th Pusan International Film Festival to screen as part of its Wide Angle Section program.

I was procrastinating whether to attend the festival when "Whew!", before i can have second thoughts, i was hit by wave after wave of work and demands...

When i finally have time to recover, it was already December 2009.

But I am happy to note that, during the period when the film was screened in PIFF, I received a text message from a feature film producer who was attending the Pusan Film Market.

He was surprised to see my name on a documentary and he couldn't get a ticket to the show.

WOW! no tickets?

Maybe because the other film that was screened at the same time with my documentary is really hot... lah...

:)

I would never know the answer.

But in the quiet darkness of the cinema hall, I imagined, someone, a Korean maybe, would have made some emotional connections with Uncle and his story.

Pure magic.

And hey, Busan is a fishing port, and Uncle has been a fishmonger for almost his entire life.

Am i drawing too many parallels? Maybe.

But then, it has always been the context which always makes a film more interesting and relevant.

Isn't it？

cheers!

Boxing Behind Bars & Hong Kong To the World

2010-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:00

Conceptualised in 2005, and telecast in 2008, "Boxing Behind Bars" has earned a "Bronze World Medal" under Biography/Profiles in the 2010 New York TV and Film Awards.

Check out page 10 of this link
http://www.newyorkfestivals.com/res/pdf/2010TVFWinners.pdf

Any thank you speech? Err... Not really.

It was a great experience and i wished the lives of the two boxers did change. I can't speak Thai and so, i didn't have the chance to check back on them... (i know, kind of lame excuse...)

With the current political turmoil in Bangkok, and the mess it created, there are times i wondered, maybe inside the prison, the inmates need to deal with a lot less...

And so, moving on...

For those of you who happened to be based in Hong Kong, you have the chance to
participate in similar kind of "grand" documentaries. Check out Hong Kong To the World,
as Natgeo will act as supervising producers to a slew of documentaries to be commissioned in the next few years.

There are links to some videos which supervising producers share what they are looking out for.
A great learning platform for those who hope to take an inside peek to the minds of supervising producers.

Pitches are fun, I kinda missed those sessions. :)

Enjoy!

About the future of SIFF

2009-07-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

News has it that the two new directors from SIFF has quitted.

Comes as a shock to me and i think most people in the film community.

There was a quote from ST from one of the founders of SIFF, vaguely goes "they want to fly before they can walk."

Well, this may be a sign of internal bickering and i shall not speculate.

But what some of us may be wondering is what is to become of SIFF? A festival that has cultivated the sense and spirit of independent film making among so many of us.

It was my inspiration as a schooling student in varsity days and it is still an important event for local filmmakers to gather and showcase our works.

SIFF has fought against censorship ruling and funding woes, and survived till today. Today it has to compete with the many other local film events and i thought this year, with the film awards, it signaled a wish to stand for something different.

But for now, its future is left hanging by the thread again.

Will there be a 23rd?

God knows......

"This Too Shall Pass" sindieonly review

2009-06-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am flattered by kind words. When i was reading through this review, i was waiting for the jab to surface.

Well, it never did and if any, the reviewer is gentle with his words. (much appreciated!)

an extract of the review

Death is an easy issue to deal with in films. It is easy to evoke an emotion from the death of a fellow human being. This is especially so if the character is undeserving of the pain and suffering he or she has to go through. In the documentary genre however, it is amplified more so. Ang was able to make use of this emotion to create and honest piece of work that was in no way egoistic. Although it did play on the cliche of human emotion to send its message across, it did so effectively. Ang was the vessel through which the Lees told their story and his ability to let go of a directors control and build a rapport with a family he barely knew and allow them to tell their story is definitely commendable.

(From Singapore Independent Films Only blogspot, SINdie)

For the complete review.

This Too Shall Pass_Post screening Q & A

2009-06-14T03:38:00.000-07:00

Warning:
Spoilers ahead in the you tube clips! For those of you who haven't yet watch the film. Don't watch the clips yet!

SIFF 2009 This Too Shall Pass Q&A by Director Ang Aik Heng and Guest Ellen Lee. Moderated by Leonard Lai 1/5

SIFF 2009 This Too Shall Pass Q&A by Director Ang Aik Heng and Guest Ellen Lee. Moderated by Leonard Lai 2/5

well, i could continue to put up the rest of the three links, but for those of you who are familiar with youtube, you will be able to find the rest.

Enjoy!

This Too Shall_An Online Review

2009-06-14T03:27:00.000-07:00

The following is just an excerpt of an online review on "Twitch"

...You’ll feel some emotional pangs when watching the film, especially toward the end, and I’m sure you would also have a mental run down of the decision you will make should you be in the same shoes some time, especially when it deals with the dilemma of debating whether it be best to pull the plug to end the suffering, or to persevere on in artificially prolonging one’s life, even though you’re somewhat certain of the immense physical pain that comes with it. And I admire how Ang stays a respectable distance when the situation calls for it, preferring not to intrude further into personal space as already graciously granted by the family.

It’s a heartfelt local documentary that I recommend, and going by the lineup at the Singapore Panorama during this year’s Singapore International Film Festival, it seems the documentaries are the ones that are blazing a trail for local film offerings.

I thanked the review Stefan for the encouragement and hopefully if fate allows, the film will have another run in the near future.

Sent the docu to Yamagata and Pusan to try my luck, fingers crossed...

Creating buzz_IS Magazine

2009-04-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

"This Too Shall Pass" is creating some anticipation, to my surprise.

I was flipping through IS magazine just days ago and i chanced upon two mentions.

You will need to scroll right down to the article or you can checked out the "reproduced" comments...

" What local films are film buffs checking out at this year’s SIFF?
Mabel Tay, 40s, brand consultant
Quite a few local films: A Big Road directed by Alec Tok, because the complex plot appeals to me. Also 12 Lotus, directed by Royston Tan, because I’ve always enjoyed his works; 18 Grams of Love directed by Han Yew Kwang, because this film won an award at the 13th Lyon Asian Film Festival, so it must be pretty engaging; The Days, directed by Boi Kwong, because my friends directed and produced it; Lucky 7, directed by seven filmmakers, because it’s different and could be an interesting approach to story telling; and Hush Baby, directed by Tan Wei Keong, because I’d like to see for myself the depth and quality of local animation.

Victoria Bay, 29, sales and marketing manager
This Too Shall Pass—as sad as the film might be, I think it would be interesting to see how the patriarch of a typical Singaporean family fulfils his familial responsibilities right up to the very end. I’m also looking forward to Invisible Children with Karen Tan. Aside from being a Karen Tan fan, I have always enjoyed local films that explore the themes of alienation and the search for a sense of belonging, from Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys to Kelvin Tong’s Eating Air. The films dare to articulate what many of us grin and tolerate, and I am hoping this will be no different.”

Sharon Wong, PR manager
Shingaporu Monogatari. I’ve seen documentaries of the war with recounts from old Chinese women, Japanese etc, but it would be interesting to hear it from a Malay man. No one’s really asked the Malay community. I suppose the emotions and experience might seem similar, but his narrative would be interesting, if done right. Also A Month of Hungry Ghosts directed by American Tony Kern. It will be interesting to see if there’s been a Western spin put on this topic, or if it’s been made into even more of a cultural clichè.

Yong Shu Chiang, marketing manager
I’m really looking forward to A Big Road by Alec Tok and Hashi by Sherman Ong, both of which touch on the lives of women—across generations and circumstances—and tackle stories from outside of the local milieu. I am also intrigued by This Too Shall Pass by Ang Aik Heng, a seemingly small, intimate film about dealing with impending death, and Invisible Children, by Brian Gothong Tan, whose exploits in theater and visual art I’m aware of, but whose foray into film could mean something special and fresh."

Now, I am really looking forward to what the reviewers have to say after watching the docu.

Interesting.

A report on "This Too Shall Pass" on local Chinese Daily Lianhe Zaobao

2009-04-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.zaobao.com/fk/fk090328_510_1.shtml

挣扎于两种角色之间

　　当心爱的人离开这个世界时，很多人都不愿意放手。

　　对于刘李明兰（46岁）而言，面对临终病人的辅导员和癌症病患的女儿两种身份，她感觉其角色分配是很不同的，也有心理矛盾的时候。

目前，她是观明综合医院的全职辅导员。2002年，她父亲李伯（62岁）被诊断患上鼻咽癌时已到第三期，医生说，治愈几率有50%，病人和家属都积极与癌症抗争。

她说：“当时，父亲得进行第一次电疗，35天的疗程让他尝尽痛苦，尤其到了疗程后期，吞咽有问题，心跳疲弱。他像战败的人一样，想放弃，我们5个兄弟姐妹都不赞成，终于，他还是熬过了。”

　　但是，4年后，癌症复发。面对动手术可能导致脸部变形，或声带受损的后果，李伯选择进行第二次的电疗。但是，豁达的他却先到中国广东祭祖，然后再到海南岛旅游，回国后才做电疗。

　　刘李明兰说，父亲知道自己康复的机会只有三分之一，因此希望了却这一生的心愿。

　　第二次电疗的杀伤力更大，到了尾期，他觉得心脏无法负荷，极想放弃，但是儿女们都尝试延长他的寿命，最后得靠喂食管进食，他承受插管子的痛楚仍历历在目。一天，他在家里跌倒，住院30天，最后死于鼻咽癌并发症。

　　刘李明兰在父亲患癌期间，已在观明综合医院当义工，多负责照顾癌症的临终病患。后来，她完成培训课程，成为全职辅导员。面对病人的家属，总是看到一线曙光就要尝试挽救病人的健康，她认为这是常情。人生最精彩的部分在于战斗，虽败犹荣。“当初，父亲癌症复发，我们都尽量帮助他完成心灵上的需要。这些年看到这么多病患，很多都愿意再战，我也用抗癌成功的病例鼓励病人。我碰过一个癌症复发的病患，用自己的身体做‘白老鼠’试新药，他知道有哪些副作用，但是能够接受，勇于尝试的精神令人佩服。”

　　她回忆说：“当初，父亲做第二次电疗时，痛苦难当，要求我们停止治疗，但是我们都舍不得他离开，最后，他的生命延长了两个星期，但是生命的品质非常不好。”

　　这值得吗？她心里很矛盾。如果当初不插管喂食，父亲会不会走得更舒服一些呢

　　李伯的抗癌故事，由本地编导洪益兴摄制成60多分钟的纪录片《李伯》，将在4月23日于第22届电影节首映。洪益兴说，这是记录李伯最后3个月生命的生活点滴，反映老人家内心面对死亡的困惑，还有患病期和家人之间所产生的种种矛盾。

My heartfelt thanks to the journalist who wrote the story. Once again, i felt that there is some force in the providence guiding this documentary.

It is now serving its purpose, and i guess the time is ripe.

Tickets are sold out now, but i am hoping for an additional screening.

I have left out some people while distributing the complimentary tickets, like my sound engineer Alan Chong. Thanks Alan for all the hardwork, wherever and whenever you are right now, thanks...

This Too Shall Pass_Publicity Runs

2009-03-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

It seems the topic about death is timely.

Lien foundation started a campaign on life before death, on what it means to live life dignified before death.

There are a few reports but this is just one of them.

They have even set up a website to provide information on what it means to die well.

Their mission statement is to break the deathly silence and to

"
Inspire people to view death differently
Plant the idea of “dying well”
Encourage advocates for a better death
Increase the acceptance and adoption of hospice and palliative care

This will in turn help improve end-of-life."
That aside, I was interviewed online on singapore independent film blogsite.
Many thanks for the blogmaster for the time and efforts!
Do check out the interview

And straight after, I was invited with two other film directors participating in SIFF, Jason and Yew Kwang on a late night radio interview with Hao Wei on UFM 100.3

The show is called “漫游Urban Nite" and thanks to Hao Wei, our films received yet another boost of mileage.

And of course, the best news for me so far, tickets are selling fast and i am hoping to hear from the audience, their feedback.

Laters...

This Too Shall Pass - The Poster Design

2009-03-09T03:27:00.000-07:00

45 more days to screening and the poster design is completed.

time for a sneak preview...

This Too Shall Pass

2009-02-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

10 years ago, i watched with admiration and held in austere, films screened during the Singapore International Film Festival.

To me, these films represent an ideal. A dream. Untouchables.

10 years later, am i in a position to say, i may have created something of my own dream as well.

My independent documentary, "This Too Shall Pass" has been selected for official screening in this year's SIFF, in the Singapore Panorama section.

I attended the press conference today. It was surreal man...

Anyway, i am really glad that this film has come so far. (At this very moment, even when it has been selected, i am still doing the final audio mix...)

So, hurry up and book tickets from 1st March onwards. :)

This Too Shall Pass
The Substation
23rd Apr, 7:15pm

See you!

Remember Old Man Lee?

2009-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

The docu that i have been working on, the one titled "Old Man Lee", on the cancer-striken old man's last journey, well, i have decided to change the title back to "This too shall pass".

Why so?

maybe this little story can help...

“

One day Solomon decided to humble Benaiah Ben Yehoyada, his most trusted minister. He said to him, "Benaiah, there is a certain ring that I want you to bring to me. I wish to wear it for Sukkot which gives you six months to find it." "If it exists anywhere on earth, your majesty," replied Benaiah, "I will find it and bring it to you, but what makes the ring so special?" "It has magic powers," answered the king. "If a happy man looks at it, he becomes sad, and if a sad man looks at it, he becomes happy." Solomon knew that no such ring existed in the world, but he wished to give his minister a little taste of humility. Spring passed and then summer, and still Benaiah had no idea where he could find the ring. On the night before Sukkot, he decided to take a walk in one of the poorest quarters of Jerusalem. He passed by a merchant who had begun to set out the day's wares on a shabby carpet. "Have you by any chance heard of a magic ring that makes the happy wearer forget his joy and the broken-hearted wearer forget his sorrows?" asked Benaiah. He watched the grandfather take a plain gold ring from his carpet and engrave something on it. When Benaiah read the words on the ring, his face broke out in a wide smile. That night the entire city welcomed in the holiday of Sukkot with great festivity. "Well, my friend," said Solomon, "have you found what I sent you after?" All the ministers laughed and Solomon himself smiled. To everyone's surprise, Benaiah held up a small gold ring and declared, "Here it is, your majesty!" As soon as Solomon read the inscription, the smile vanished from his face. The jeweler had written three Hebrew letters on the gold band: gimel, zayin, yud, which began the words "Gam zeh ya'avor" -- "This too shall pass." At that moment Solomon realized that all his wisdom and fabulous wealth and tremendous power were but fleeting things, for one day he would be nothing but dust.

”

adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_too_shall_pass

After a lot of deliberation, i've finally sent in the copy for competition in 2009 Singapore International Film Festival.

My fingers are crossed...

happy new year to all!

"Brat Camp China" - A Nomination

2008-12-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Brat Camp China is a finalist nominated under the category

Best Documentary Programme (31 mins or more)

for the 13th Asian Television Awards 2008.

I feel relieved that the documentary has struck a chord with the judges. No top notch CGI, no big name crew, simply with a lot of conviction and passion to tell a simple story.

I really feel honoured to be nominated together with the big network TV stations. :)

http://www.onscreenasia.com/AsianTVAwardsNominees2008.html

Let's hope more people will get the chance to catch this docu with this nomination.

Old Man Lee Fine Cut

2008-09-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

It must been coming to 2 years since i started working on this personal project and my.... i have been delaying this docu for so long!

As i worked on the subtitles, i kept thinking out loud to myself. Questions that bugged my conscience and pricked my professionalism.

If i had put in more time and efforts, would i have crafted a better story.

Questions that could tear me in pieces...

Old Man Lee started off as a personal examination of a cancer-stricken old man's fighting spirit against his illness and above all, his family woes.

The most haunting discovery so far, is that Lee's scenario and problems could be mine, in less than 10years time.

Lee's father-son relationship forms the backbone of the story. A doting father and a recalcitrant son. A dying father who yearns for the prodigal son to make good. A proud father who hopes for the equally proud son, to admit his wrongdoings.

Lee's story is everything above and more.

His story created small but significant waves in my otherwise seemingly calm life. A reflection of my personal father-son relationship.

Recently, an Australian colleague was sharing with me the kind of relationship he had with his dad. Both of them are into sports and they often played games together. He could ask his dad to join in for a beer and they could talk about anything under the sky.

He said," When my dad passed away, i lost more than a father. I lost a best friend." I could almost feel a wash of emotions up in his eyes.

And i felt such envy.

Old Man Lee never had this opportunity to have this special father-son relationship, with his only son. I thought there are some regrets when he passed away.

My dad has two sons, and i don't know for sure, if he feels the loneliness of age. And if he has how much of unspoken.

Maybe, this IS the purpose of making this film.

Dedicated to all the fathers and sons out there.

A Month of Hungry Ghost - my review

2008-08-02T23:24:00.000-07:00

A foreign director/editor has taken a bet with his own career to make an independent documentary on one of Singapore's most colourful festival- the Hungry Ghost Festival.

I think for most Singaporeans, we're quite aware of the fascinating facets of the festival, the "good brothers", "ge-tai", "auction" and the various related customs.

But to see the festival through a foreigner's eye, i thought may uncover something interesting, a new perspective etc.

And to only a certain extent, it has had.

The film is clearly made for the international audience in mind, starting with the introduction of Singapore from the black and white era, and contrasting it with the modern day gloss.

The 90+minute documentary enters the discussion of "hungry ghosts" and through a myraid of characters and events, attempts to present to the audience, an encyclopedia run down of an A to Z list of Singaporean's most warped and fervent beliefs in this month where hungry ghosts roamed free.

I was looking for an unique story that would lead me to in-depth character connection with the festival, but i was disappointed in a few instances. (the Cantonese auntie who lost a son was endearing and memorable though)

The parts when the documentary tries to examine the existence of "hungry ghost" with the help of Singapore Paranormal Investigation (SPI) proves to be most arresting.

This documentary shines in the efforts made to document faithfully the multi-aspects of this colourful festival but regrettably fails to elevate the film beyond showing the "strange and peculiar" aspects of a first world nation of people, indulging in the practice of ancient and sometimes astounding beliefs.

I have no doubt that the documentary will have its appeal when presented to an international viewer with little knowledge of what is happening on this island, but i do have my doubts if the story put together will leave them with meaningful insights.

Towards the end of the documentary, the director attempts to take a humanitarian view using the platform of hungry ghosts beliefs. I must admit that for a cynic like me, it feels a little stretched.

"A month of hungry ghosts" feels more like an assembly cut of characters and events, and when the documentary tries too hard to include everything and anything related, that it makes the viewing experience less than rewarding.

But for all its efforts, sincere documentary work, great music and editing, it is still a must watch for anyone who wants to understand the "hungry ghosts" in Singapore a little better.

Because you never know when you will be stepping on "their" toes, if any.

Official website for "A Month of Hungry Ghost".

Sicko, but not homeless

2008-06-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

Sicko was screened in the theatres last year, but i only had the chance to catch it some time back.

In gold old Michael Moore fashion, the various characters' stories sound almost too absurb to be true.

But, truth does hurts.

I didn't catch the full story as i was interrupted with phonecalls and so forth during the viewing, but the experience was nevertheless, appalling.

The world strongest and biggest economy and superpower, cannot even take proper care of its millions of citizens.

That is the message i take away from the documentary, and as i reflect on Singapore's own healthcare system, and my healthy or not so healthy future, i shudder to think further.

So, what about Singapore's healthcare system? I am sure, if there are Singaporeans reading this post, we have the same questions popping out without clear answers.

Vaguely, i think we trust the CPF system to work to our benefit. We have a "health insurance" in place and i would think most of us have an insurance plan that covers our not so healthy old age issues.

So, no issues then? Perhaps. Maybe its time to review the health plans and decide if our administrators had really put in the best possible plans for us....

And this leads me to talk about Homeless FC.

Yeh! I finally caught it on big screen.

Before the show, i was expecting a 45min to 60min documentary, but i ended up watching nearly 90mins of pure human drama.

It was a great documentary, uplifting, huamane and above all, truthful.

How does it feel to be homeless? To knock off work, and wander aimlessly, with nowwhere to rest your tired body?

How does it feel to be out of job? To go for endless interviews and to know at every seating, from the look of your interviewer, this is going to another affirmation of your low sense of worth.

Homeless FC tracks the lives of glitzzy Hong Kong's underclass. A ex-triad member, an incompetent father, a compulsive gambler, all of whom can be classified as losers in their lives.

And miraculously, soccer comes to them as an opportunity to prove to themselves and their family members, they are not so worthless and unrepentant after all.

I was especially touched at the scene when after the Hong Kong team loses 8 out of 11 matches or so, they're preparing to go home, suddenly one of the very macho character starts to weep and talk about how this period of training for the Homeless World Cup has been one of the defining moments in his life.

A golden documentary moment.

Shows like these send a sharp reminder to myself to work harder to bring to the audience similar humane experience.

Learning, humbling and truthful.

Thank you, Sicko and Homeless FC.

There are no ordinary moments

2008-04-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

What have i been up to?

My personal docu on "Old Man Lee" is still stuck in the first cut.

But i finished a 30min+ profile story, which i thought was pretty decent.

On hand, an interesting short film project with a lof of headache logistics...

And then, i saw this biographical movie "Peaceful Warrior" that totally blew me away.

It was inspiring and potentially life changing. That is, if you can grasp the key message in the movie and apply it in your life.

I wanted to make a film just like that!!!

Simple, real and inspiring!!!

It is a film about individual power, about attitude towards life and love, and above all, a philosophy that can maybe save all of us from the traps of everyday life.

If you think life is just a passing cloud, think again.

Or should i say, cease thinking all together.

YES, STOP the thoughts, enjoy the moment.

CLICK, CLICK, CLICK.

Remember, there are no ordinary moments in life.

News from South by Southwest Festival Screening

2008-03-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Quote from C21 Factual Week Article

SXSW unleashes Doc Days

"In the year when China is hosting the Olympic Games, one of the programme highlights will be a selection of documentaries by Chinese and Singaporean producers that offers some insight into the politics, economics and culture of the region. For example, China's Grip on Africa examines how China has cleverly outmanoeuvred the West in securing access to valuable resources throughout the continent.

Brat Camp China, on the other hand, takes a closer look at how the country is dealing with a new generation of delinquents - many of whom are the pampered sons and daughters of China's nouveau riche. "Brat Camp China is extremely interesting because it is not that often that Asian documentaries take such an in-your-face, controversial angle," says Whitfield."

The run up of interest and reports on "Brat Camp China" has made me realized how privileged i am to have the chance to direct this documentary.

Timeliness is everything. First thing, i learn in college news class and now i am reaping the benefits of good timing.

China's Olympics has raised the profile of this documentary and being part of Asia's "new wave" of documentary makers, may i use a cliche term "Asian values, Western mindset", there is something unique in the angle we chose to tell a story.

Audience are getting interested and warming up to the stories.

Good start i hope...

And saying that, there are a host of documentaries screening in this year's Singapore International Film Festival.

check out Singapore Panaroma!

Made in Singapore documentaries include

1. Boomtown Beijing
2. Diminishing Memories 2
3. Dirt Out
4. Homeless FC
5. Keronchong For Pak Bakar

and many more....

I think Singapore is moving towards a season of harvest for documentaries! Exciting times indeed!

"Brat Camp China" screens at South by Southwest Festival 2008!

2008-03-04T05:33:00.000-08:00

It's official.

"Brat Camp China" has been officially selected for screening at the 14-years-old "South By Southwest Festival 2008", as part of its "Global Doc Days: China" schedule.

I am elated! To say the least.

"Brat Camp China" will be screened on the first day of the inaugural international documentary event for the film festival.

More about the Film Festival

The South by Southwest Film Conference and Festival is essentially two events in one. By day, it is an industry-oriented film conference with panels, workshops, mentor sessions and a Trade Show. It has been described as a five day crash course on guerilla filmmaking and marketing.

Day and night the SXSW Film Festival screens about 150 - 200 of the best independent films produced during the previous year as well as works from established directors who have inspired the latest generation of filmmakers. Aspiring novices and seasoned professionals alike can immerse themselves in film and the business of film by registering for SXSW.

The 8 sessions of documentary screening will be moderated by David Jenkinson and Jenn Kuzmyk from C21 Media (UK & Canada respectively), and Heather Croall from the Sheffield International Documentary Festival, UK.

Brat Academy

2008-02-24T01:30:00.001-08:00

This is another documentary commissioned by Discovery Channel, done by another fellow local producer.

It is weird for me to have someone do a take two for your subject and characters. And a lot of thoughts raced through my mind as i see myself watching from another perspective, how different approaches worked as well to the same topic.

I've wanted to close this chapter of my life for the longest time, and it seems, the chapter never ends on a full stop completely.

Brat Academy, in my opinion, has taken an issue-based approach to examine the marching school. The case study of a young teenage girl rebel and her mother was very strong.

I haven't seen a child speak in that way throughout my filming period with the school but at the same time, it didn't come as much of a surprise to me to hear those words.

"leave me here and prepare to claim my body!" the girls words of hatred keep ringing in my ears.

the mother retorts "you have no respect for anything, i've tried everything! you are beyond redemption!"

This scene reminds me of a popular Chinese legend or should i say popular folk story. Teenage Nezha was the third child of her mother. When Ne-zha was born, he was inside a meatball and thereafter, he broke through and became who he was.

His father viewed Nezha's birth as unlucky and this set the stage for a volatile father-son relationship.

In due course, Ne-zha would commit one big mistake, slaying a heavenly dragon. To pay for his misdeed, defiant Ne-zha refuse to admit his wrong doing, instead, he choose to return his blood and flesh to his parents, cutting himself up knife by knife, and eventually paying for his misdeed with his life.

I see many of the kids in China, growing up to bear resemblance to Ne-Zha's temperament.

Young and brash, they view themselves as the underdogs of this ever-changing Chinese society. They question authorities, refuse to accept instructions and some hate their parents to the core.

Does their parents care for them? I think so. But why don't they listen?

That is the problem. The parents only want their kids to listen to them. What about the other way?

Ne-zha's story ended on an optimistic note. He was given a second chance by the higher deity and he was enshrined as a deity with immortal powers, and his special instrument is a pair of fiery rings which keeps him in the air. He is still known for his fiery temper though.

It seems that the almighty know better how to harnass and recognise the innate ability of Ne-zha.

And perhaps the Chinese parents can learn a thing or two from this folk tale.

Before it is too late......

Boxing Behind Bars_-_- DELIVERED!

2008-02-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

I was catching parts of "The Contender Asia" on AXN just moments ago, a reality based muay thai bitchy show between two groups of macho man, another spin off from Mark Brunett's closet of reality series.

Shan't comment on the camerawork, sound and story structure, but watching the faces of the boxers and the cushy "reality" they're going through brought back some memories of my short experience with the prison boxers in my just completed documentary.

There is a look of toughness in boxers, regardless of sex.

Pit one on one in a ring, 3minutes fight, and at the sound of a bell, under the screams of spectators, the "gladiator" in the boxer emerges to take over the mind and body.

It's human cockfight, as the opposition camp to boxing would proclaim. There is nothing sporty in a human cockfight. To take punches, and to punch another, will you call that a test of human endurance or is it simply, pure violence and at worst, entertainment in its most cruel form?

Centuries old tradition are hard to die off, as it seems. Boxing, human fighting, sparring matches, gladiators etc has been the de facto means to an end to squabbles, and glorified with notions of sportsmanship, bravery and gory....

I have probably watched the matches cut in the completed documentary for umpteen times. In the line of work, my job is to find the best shots and juxtapose them in a most heart pounding experience for the audience.

Punches are enhanced with sound effects with slow motion to jabs and swings, making the seemingly bland fight scenes come alive in line with audience's appetite of being entertained.

But the experience of watching a live match is totally different.

Can you imagine a torrential rain of blows on your naked head by an opponent who has trained to throw that punch on a tough sandbag? Is your head harder than that sandbag?

A punch on the body, a crack in the ribs cage, a jab to the jaws, a dislocated jaw, a direct on the nose, flattening it level with your face?

I leave it to your imagination.

Is there beauty and redeeming value in boxing?

Maybe, for the one who seeks redemption, the pain in your body and the pain delivered by each and every punch, is a painful reminder of a past you wished to forget and a punishment you undertake to clear yourself of the immense guilt.

Old Man Lee

2008-01-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

This personal project on a cancer patient last 3 months of struggle was started in Oct 2006. I am still in rough cut and it is taking much longer than expected.

I am quietly embarrassed for KIVing it all the time.

The night before, just when i was about to sleep, suddenly, I can feel uncle lee's presence.

I wanted to ask him if it is fine for me to pursue the storyline i am cutting now. So much weight was put on his strained relationship with his son.

In a state of blur, it felt as though his hands rubbed my shoulders and before i could ask further, i konked out.

Is this a sign?

And speaking of signs, with Chinese New Year round the corner, I wonder how many more of "Old Man Lee" will not live to see another 365days of sunrise and sunset.

Time of the year....

Boxing Behind Bars

2008-01-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Its official, "Black Roses of Bangkok" is now re-titled "Boxing Behind Bars".

And, i've finally reached the final online stage.

Project start: September 2006.
Project end: January 2008.

Goodness, a good 15 months of work!

Moving on....

Brat Camp China Round 2

2008-01-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

The bigger test always come face to face, when you hear comments at face value.

And the biggest test, when your characters watch the documentary you made on them.

With the dvd delivered to the school, a note and a phone call, i await for the feedback to roll in.

It wasn't as bad as i figured out.

But the truth may be a little different than what i have imagined.

Maybe.

For those of you who can read Chinese, attached is the Brat Camp school principal's response to the documentary and my note.

His response to me.

老徐给远方来信的回信
新年的第三天，就收到如此厚重的礼物（记录片、精致的茶杯）。片子做得非常好。用这个杯子泡出的咖啡也非常香，我们所有的老同志看了这个片子都感到非常的亲切，工作室如今确实发生了巨大的变化，那竹子制作的戒尺已成为历史的文物，在今天的我们看来，集聚历史的感触，大家都认为，这是一部很真实、很自然，也很优美的好片子，它记载了那段岁月，那段日子，那一个历史进程中的人物和事件，它将成为我们这些共同从那个生活走过来的一张老照片，我们会永久地珍藏着。每当我们想起你们、读到你们都是亲切、温馨与快乐的，同时也夹着一缕遥望而不得相见的忧伤。但愿我们今后还能金风玉露一相逢。务请保持联系。顺祝新年安康！

徐向洋
2008年1月4日

My note to him.

亲爱的老徐：
非常感谢您在拍摄时期所给予的支持和帮助。
这部记录片我自认已经非常努力做到尽善尽美了，但是一如任何作品，都存在美中不足之处。
记录片反映了学校当年转型期的真实状况，与现在的情形相信有很大的差异。
希望片子的叙述角度能获得您的共鸣，也能引起全体师生的讨论。
当然，我和全体工作人员更希望与您和全体师生，友谊长驻！
请代我问候大家，很想念一起吃大锅饭、一起行走的日子！
祝安！
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Brat Camp China, Straits Times Review

2008-01-08T01:46:00.000-08:00

Brat Camp China, 3 ½ star reviewed by ST Life.

It feels kind of strange to be given labels like "stars" to your work...

Riding on...

Brat Camp China- Sunday Times Review

2008-01-08T01:34:00.000-08:00

Its finally out, born and open to viewers' scrutiny.

I wasn't there when the docu first premiere on Nat Geo. Working overseas, but half my mind was with the show, somewhere, somehow.

So how did it go?

Is the docu clear in its story telling? Has the irony of situation and the agony of the teenagers reached the hearts of the viewers? Has the docu made any impact, or is it just another ripple in the ocean of shows and programs...

I really look forward to hear some comments.

And if by any chance, you caught the show and decided to find out more about the docu, and coincidentally bumped into this webpage, we have some connection between us.

And i hope to hear from you.

Happy new year to you!

cheers!

:)

Asia Factual Forum 25th-27th Nov

2007-11-28T06:06:00.000-08:00

To attend the inaugural "Asia Factual Forum" was quite an experience.

I learnt there is another term for making documentaries. Making factual programs.

Some of the speakers spoke in a "language" that i almost felt out of place.

E.g. "Success is about relationships, relationships and relationships"
" You have only one chance to secure your pitch. The key is to rehearse, rehearse and rehearse."
"The five Rs to our industry. Relationship (i can't remember the other 3) and finally translating to Revenue."

I guess i must have been living in a small little world of my own. Content with my somewhat clouded perspective of what making documentaries is all about.

Until Academy award winner Ruby Yang came to the platform on the final day to share her experience on "Blood of Yingzhou District", I finally feel back at home. Connected to the ground and listening to a commercial-less sharing session.

But then again, she stressed. Getting funding is priority. Without her academy award, she typically took 18months to secure the funds to her documentary. Now, she reckons, she might take just a third of the time.

No getting away from dollars and cents.

And it is so true that it almost gets depressing.

Making documentary to bring across a message has become so much more complex. In this day and era, our very first struggles are to tell a compelling story without losing the audience halfway through the show to say, EPL or CSI.

And to do that, cable networks has revamped their stories and story telling. NatGeo is now blatantly declaring their mission is FIRST to entertain, then to inform.

Its a true fact of life. Without hooking your audience, your message, no matter how noble, is lost in the sea of entertainment.

And so, we believe. And so, we change. And so, did we lose ourselves along the way?

I will leave the question at that.

Back to "Blood of Yingzhou District". For those who haven't caught the 39min docu, catch it on You tube and be entralled by the film.

I feel so helpless under the powerful gaze of the characters.

It makes me feel uncomfortable, seating in a nice air conditioned room, watching their plight unfold.

It is nothing like entertainment, but the documented slice of life is such a strong statement about a fact of life, that you can't ignore but also can't help but feel gripped by a sense of helplessness.

Its great stories that make documentaries tick, the director said.

Greatness is hard to come by and it takes time to craft a great story. But today, morphing and creating illusions of greatness seems possible.

Is Yang's docu a product of strong relationship? You bet. The filmmaker couldn't have made the film without the Chinese government support.

Does this translates to strong revenue? I don't think so. Otherwise, the filmmakers wouldn't have to seek funding for their next film.

So where does this brings us?

Making choices. And trading relationships for greatness.

Food for thought.

Fine Cut!

2007-10-20T22:25:00.001-07:00

I've finally reached "fine cut" stage for the boxing documentary i am working on.

This piece of work has taken less of "me" away from my mundane life and maybe to a certain extent, it feels like a more distant piece of work.

Documentary making can be mind absorbing and compulsive. I remember reading somewhere, the more time you leave for your characters, you less time you leave for yourself and the "real" people around you.

Drawing the line between reel and real is becoming an important issue at this point in time....

Anyway, for this cut, i have good luck to work with a fresh eye from an experienced documentary writer. It helps to see the work in a different perspective and steer it closer to vision.

I count my luck to be working with some young but talented professionals, whom has help to add to the final film's edit, music and gritty look.

But if i were to take a back seat and take another look, how far is it from what i envisioned when i first started working on the film? Quite far.

In fact, i wasn't at all pleased with my approach and story-telling beats.

But there are also some significant improvements made over the last piece.

Its always a matter of trading a few winning battles and some losses.

But taken as a whole, its a decent cut, albeit not really the finest yet.

I am looking forward to picture lock...

Thoughts on "Jesus Camp"

2007-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

The one single statement that nearly threw me off the seat is when during one of the characters in this US-produced documentary started to address a group of evangelical kids and family with this statement.

"Let me say something about Harry Potter: Warlocks are enemies of God! In the New Testament, Harry Potter would be put to death!" — Pastor Becky Fischer, director of Kids on Fire summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota.

The scenes in the documentary were troubling and unsettling to an atheist viewer (maybe with an inclination towards asian mystique religion and buddhism) like me. Before this film, we're accustomed to Islamic fundamentalists and how the "Jihad" fighters are brainwashed by their teachers.

But with this film, it blurs the line between religion and it definitely shed some light on how any religion when carried to extremes, is fundamentally very wrong.

In "Jesus Camp", children pledge allegiance to "the Christian flag"; we hear a female pastor comparing Jesus Camp to Palestinian schools where "they put hand-grenades in the hands of children"; a mother with a wholesome smile and a freshly scrubbed kitchen beams at her home-schooled kids as she proclaims, "There are only two kinds of people in this world: those who love Jesus, and those who don't."

The directors, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, bring us into this special "boot camp" to reclaim Christian faith, as seen through the eyes of three kids, Levi, Rachael, and Tory - between the ages of 11 and 13.

The "fanatic" Pastor Fischer is portrayed as energetic and bubbly, innocently driven by a sense of mission and yet easily perceived on-screen as going many steps too far. She constantly declares to her army of children that this is a sick old world and that it needs to be fixed.

Her mission? To teach more kids to become dedicated Christian members of “God’s Army.”

And to add to the controversy of the documentary, a Pastor of a mega-church - Ted Haggard appears in a sermon to declaims, "We don't have to debate homosexuality. It's in the Bible!". Pastor Haggard didn't do good to his own public image with him arrogantly pointing fingers into the documentary team's camera and spouting seemingly "harmless" jokes.

This film drew a mixed but definitely huge response in the States.

While searching through the latest archive of reviews, not only the documentary-makers posted a written response to Pastor Ted(he protested), but apparently a real-life scandal hit the Pastor which presumbly drew more suspicion and doubts to the "sincerity" and "moral authority" of this White House most trusted advisor. He was removed from his position.

And, latest news has it that this controversial Jesus Camp will be shut down for a good few years.

There is only one word to the whole viewing experience- disturbing. I know the film-makers have pack home a very clear message, with this cleverly filmed and edited piece, supported by a music score with dark and ominous overtones.

But according to the reviews, Pastor Fischer reportedly has seen the documentary and thought this is a good publicity tool to voice the conservative right wing's opinion.

I guess, the general public thinks otherwise.

For those who wants to read further:
Check out: http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/

And of course, catch the docu while it is still screening in town...

Docu-Features

2007-09-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

Factual films are receiving attention never before.

Fact or fiction?

It's hard to tell, but as someone who works in the world of factual programming, i hope the statement is more than a piece of fact but a looming reality that all people can't ignore.

Few years back and until today, goggle-box viewers are enslaved to their daily servings of "Survivor", "Amazing Race" and reality shows that puts real people in impossible situations. What is "real" and "dramatic" suddenly seems so entertaining and attention grabbing.

And then, Michael Moore with his slate of "docu"-features sweep the box offices. "The March of the Penguins"'s success brought along confidence that capturing real and emotive stories of beautiful wildlife is capturing an universal experience.

Reality is hot, not as hot as the usual slate of dramas. But hot enough to spur on-the-ground filmmakers to work hard and await the day for recognition.

I don't know if this is going to be a passing fad but definitely exciting times to be in.

There is three docu-features within my range of "must-watch" radar.

1. Buddha's Lost Children.

(Holland) In the borderlands of Thailand's Golden Triangle, a rugged region known for its drug smuggling and impoverished hill tribes, one man devotes himself to the welfare of the region's children

A former Thai boxer, turned Buddhist monk, Phra Khru Bah Neua Chai Kositto (also known as the Tiger Monk), travels widely on horseback, fearlessly dispensing prayers, health care, education and tough love to villagers far from the protection and support of governments or non-governmental organizations.

With his Golden Horse Temple he's built an orphanage, school and clinic - a haven for the children of the region, who see him as a shaman, father figure and coach.

Stunning cinematography, intimate filmmaking and a compelling story make this film an extraordinary experience of a hidden realm. BUDDHA'S LOST CHILDREN gives the term "grassroots Buddhism" new meaning, and in the end it's the children's journey we share. Their transformation from neglected village boys to self-confident novices.

Director Mark Verkerk gained unprecedented access to film this intimate and dramatic story over the course of a year on location in Thailand. Filmed on high definition digital video, 96 minute, Thai with English subtitles; from Holland's: EMS FILMS and Paris based Cineteve, for BOS and ARTE France amongst others.

official website:
http://www.buddhaslostchildren.com/Buddha%27s%20Lost%20Children.html

2. Planet B-Boy

(U.S.) A powerful documentary about the vibrant global resurgence of break-dancing, Planet B-Boy goes inside the underground hip- hop dance scenes around the world, as the best crews prepare for the "The Battle of the Year"—an annual "World Cup" of b-boying. Director Benson Lee combines spectacular dance footage with poignant insight explaining why these dancers make tremendous sacrifices for their art.

official website:
http://www.planetbboy.com/

3. My Football Summer

(Taiwan) In Hualien, players of Mei Lun Junior High School (美崙國中) football team are preparing for the upcoming National High School Games, one of the major youth football competitions in Taiwan. It is the last -- and the most important -- game in their three years of junior-high-school life. They are eager to win, not only because they are the defending champion, but also they want to devote the title to their beloved coach, Wu Hsiao-yin, as his wedding gift.

Things go well in the beginning. They beat every team they encounter and eventually reach the final, in which they meet their major contender, A Lien Junior High School (阿蓮國中) of Kaohsiung County. They make 2-2 at the full time whistle, and, sadly, lose the game in the penalty shootout.

The life keeps going on. After graduation, some players enter Hualien Senior High School, whereas the others enter Hualien Vocational High School of Agriculture. The meet each other again in a friendly match between the two school teams, but they are now competitors.

official website:
http://www.serenity-group.com/movie/mfs/

What is my dream? Someday, a made-in-Singapore docu-feature that will be keenly awaited by the international fans of factual movies?

Akan-Datang.

The boy who couldn't stop running and more

2007-09-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

He is a 4-year-old boy. And he runs half marathons almost every day.

This is a documentary that goes right into the conflict of 4-year-old Buddhia's road to become the world youngest marathon runner. Is he an exceptional talent or is this a tale of child exploitation by his coach.

I caught this docu on Arts Central last monday. For those of you who haven't, you can read more about it at this link.

http://www.mymultiplesclerosis.co.uk/misc/budhiasingh.html

I was trying to draw a parallel between Buddhia, the protagonist in the docu with Siriporn, my protagonist in "Black Roses".

Both are into some kind of sports. Both are high profile because of their background. Buddhia is a 4-year-old who was abandoned in the slums. Siriporn was a drug convict who was condemned to a life of scrutiny at 17-years-old.

Sports saved them at certain point. Buddhia said in the docu, he loves running and if anyone tries to stop him from running, he will "bring them down". Strong words for a 4-year-old old who reveals just a big tooth as he grins.

Similarly, Siriporn started boxing, because she gets to fight in championship titles and she is promised her freedom if she gets to leave the jailhouse. Fairytale stuff, but it came true for her.

Yet, both of them are slipping into the darker world of controversy unknowingly as they are put on a path to glory. Buddhia was made to attempt a 70km run, running for some 6-7hours under the hot sun.

And Siriporn was scheduled to fight against a weaker opponent (unknowingly or knowingly, i really can't judge) which delivers her the title but albeit, ironically making her fight less worthy.

But i think the more interesting point for me is, when you look further beyond the controversy and stuff. If not for the attention put to the characters, who would know about the state of Orissa in India, where a third of the population live in slums and the state has the highest child mortality rate in India?

And who would have know that Thailand has been fighting drug problems for the longest time and that these drug convicts, many of them deserve a second chance. Forgiveness and redemption is the stuff that makes us humans, more humane.

I have been thinking for quite some time the motivation behind a filmmaker like myself, making a documentary on these extraordinary characters.

As filmmakers, i find myself looking perpetually for dramatic turn of events in the characters' life. Where is the conflict? Where is the clash of characters? Where is the turning point? What is the issue? Where is the brutality...... It can become an obsessive hunt for nothing......

And with documentary, the reason i like to think we slog so hard to produce and tell the stories , is that we hope to tell others, hey, this is what is happening, and we should pay attention to it. We should re-think our values and actions. We should reform our opinions.

But really, at the end of the day. The film is out and you've done your job, say well. But, have i changed their lives? Will the docu helped to change their lives?

Or have i in the course of my work, exploited their life stories for personal gains?

These questions haunt me like a nightmare from time to time. And they will probably stay with me for a long time......

The Edit goes on

2007-08-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I find that the editing is the most mind boggling process for making a documentary.

To frame up story beats to connect each other (and it don't usually do) is both science and art put together.

There is the logic of story you need to keep in mind and you need to evoke empathy from the viewers for your characters.

Tough job.

It is so easy to be caught up in editing the perfect sequence and after spending hours on a 1min montage, you end up having to take it away, because it just couldn't connect to the beats before or after.

story beats connect like train stations of a planned out route. you miss a station, you need to go back again to find the start point and see if the journey is still on course.

but it has been a privilege so far to spend so much time to figure out so little things. i like to think of them as learning the fundamental building blocks to tell a coherent and moving story.

hardwork, and persistence counts.

and the story goes on, in my head, on the editing timeline and hopefully the final copy.

the edit goes on.

Black Roses of Bangkok_1st Cut

2007-08-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Every production is a journey to the unknown and i always take it as a privilege, when i have the opportunity to take the driver's seat, cruising to somewhere, and sometimes taking me to nowhere.

It has almost been a year since starting on this Nat Geo project and even after the first cut, mysteriously, the feeling of attachment to the project pales, in comparison to the previous ones.

The consolation i made to myself is language barrier but of course, there is much more.

What drives a documentary?

The motivation to tell a compelling story.

So, what kills a documentary?

When the motivation is killed.

Its as simple.

What can kill a person's motivation? When you know you're dealing with shady people, and when you need to somehow compromise, and when you can't relate to your subject and when you have a series of less than ideal shoots.

Its dead.

But its not dead-dead. In documentary, you made a film three times. The first when you commit your ideas to paper, second time during filming and the third time during editing.

I am still holding on to the hope of a revival during editing...

Till then...

One Baby Step

2007-08-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

After 6 months of struggling between work and personal commitments, i am finally seeing the completion of a 3-minute trailer for my little independent documentary.

There are some lessons to draw from this experience.

1. It is tough to do documentaries during your free time, when you're already producing documentaries for bread and butter.

2. Giving yourself the excuse of "trying out something new" by editing without a proper script is probably not a very good idea. Unless you have loads of time.

3. Having a flexible schedule is probably a bad idea as well. It stretches way beyond your imagination and you might never get to complete the film.

While i try my best to tie up the loose ends, let me set a realistic target to host the trailer on You Tube on this blog....by...... end of this month.

May the force be with me...

Invisible City

2007-07-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

I saw an article on Zaobao today commenting on Tan Pin Pin's latest documentary "Invisible City".

It stirred some negative emotions in me. I wanted very much to send in a rebuttal and to "put " the columnist “down", just as i thought he has "put down", in my humble opinion, the intention of the documentary maker.

But i restrained myself after an internal debate. I should respect the diversity of views and opinions, and if he thinks he knows the "should be" and "must be" of a documentary, so be it.

But until i have seen Tan Pin Pin's docu myself, i shan't comment and this blog post will be a reminder to myself that somethings shouldn't be left "invisible" for that matter.

Interested parties can check out the information on the new docu at this "Invisible City" webpage.

As for the writer's comments, i will upload it once it has been published online.

****Atlas, the article wasn't published online... well, if its not meant to be... so be it. Let me catch the show and throw in my 5cents worth of comments******

What's your pitch?

2007-07-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

The practice of pitching and getting funding for a documentary is probably as old as it can get in countries like the States and Europe.

In this part of the world called Asia, i believe pitching for a documentary is still a rather new idea.

I have some of the rare opportunities to pitch in front of a panel of judges and fellow filmmakers on a few occasions and i count my lucky stars to have survived each and every with minimal "scars" so to say.

It was a nerve racking experience and for someone who is more of a natural mandarin speaker to speak coherently and convincing in English. Also not much of a public speaker, every second of standing there waiting to be scrutinized is pure torture for me.

But it is probably the best opportunity to allow a film maker to test his understanding of his subject, himself and most importantly his audience, ceterus paribus.

It boils down to skills of selling yourself and your pet project.

And in the international marketplace of ideas, it means much more.

I came across this article which i thought offers an insight. I will chip in my own experience in the next posting. Till then.

http://www.sugarpictures.com/News/News_Item1_BostonGlobe.html

Mitre Hotel

2007-05-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

I am assisting a friend to document the story of a century old Mitre Hotel. The photograph below shows an interior of a room at the 2nd floor. Well, this room is not really fit for stay but in one of the other rooms, it is still in a "livable" condition.

Anyway, for those of you who had been to this hotel, the general sentiments is that, it is very different and hence, "special".

Latest news has it that it is now ordered by court to be sold.

I was there at the hearing on last Monday, and witnessing the courtroom drama reach its finale. Uncle Chiam, described as the "lone ranger" by the judge, fight the case against 7 of his relatives and lost.

Was it a fight for money? Power? Revenge? Or simply an act of defence?

I wouldn't want to speculate.

Uncle Chiam was visibly upset about the news with head hanged low throughout the reading. After the court is dismissed, I was stalking him for a soundbite.

And i feel pretty bad, chasing him with a camera from north bridge road all the way to victoria street, pressing him for some "after he lost the case" comments.

It's cruel, I know. But don't you viewers want to see and hear his reaction?

Its a dilemna.

Anyway, Uncle Chiam have a month's time to decide if he wants to appeal against the court ruling.

Time is ticking...

Inspiration

2007-04-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

i've heard so much about a fellow filmmaker's work over the past few years and i must admit regrettably, i've missed every possible opportunity to catch it.

About 5years back(gosh...its been so long), I knew James about the time i entered this industry, when we're still fiddling with SONY PD150 and thinking this is THE camera for documentary making.

James strikes me as a very dedicated and passionate filmmaker right from the first few projects i see him working on.

After we each moved on to do our own stuff, i heard less of him, until "Passabe". First, news talk about the hundreds of hours of footages he shot, of which the bulk is in a language he couldn't understand. ( i am not surprised, James is a very patient filmmaker.) Second, news start to spread about the impact "Passabe" made. A murderer confessing his sin on camera on a East Timor killing incident.

I was very intrigued.

Last year, there are a few screenings of this documentary "Passabe", and i missed it all.

In this year's Singapore International Film Festival, "Aki Ra's Boys" would be screened. Both shows are sold out. I can't get a ticket.

And as i read from his blog, "Lianain", there is another documentary "Homeless FC", and i got a feeling, i might just missed it too...

BUT, above all. Simply reading some of the hardship the filmmakers go through just to tell a story, makes me feel, how fortunate i am, making films from the relatively comfortable corners in Singapore.

I was totally exhausted just a few months ago trying to squeeze time, between work and filming an independent documentary, and trying to get a life. There and then, the thought about "This is it, this is going to be the first and last of independent stuff i am going to do" keeps haunting me.

and then, i read about James.

Besides feeling a little ashamed of my very brittle fighting spirit, i feel inspired. My first action is to immediately launch this blog.

And now, i am hoping that one day, i might just bump into him and i would, finally get my chance to catch all those films that he made.

To read all about his works, click this!

"Diminishing Memories"

2007-04-25T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is a documentary done by a friend, Yan Ping, who graduated from a film school in Australia in 2005 (if i am not wrong).

A person who has stayed at "Lim Chu Kang" (a residential area which is now transformed to become a military-training ground and to conduct some selected high-tech agricultural activities ) for a good number of years, Yan Ping and her family have some great memories of the place.

A personal journey to unravel the emotional threads that roots a person to a place, this documentary, i thought touched many chords when it was first screened in Singapore last year.

Singapore's urban planning is among the best in the world. But it is can be so ruthlessly efficient that many times, residents are scrambling just to remember the little details of their past dwellings; traces of childhood haunts are erased as rapidly as high rise buildings or commercial establishments take their place.

I think Yan Ping's documentary reflects a yearning that many Singaporeans feel. A need for a little nostalgia amidst the cold, hard urban development might do better to preserve the soul of its people.

For those who wants to find out more, "Diminishing Memories" is out on DVD and available at major stores in Singapore. Details on can be found on her blogsite, which is also listed in this blog.

Just a side note.

In 1999, when i moved from Ang Mo Kio to Sembawang, i took a video camera and shot all i could of my journey home from the bus interchange and home surroundings etc.

Now 8 years later, as i review the visuals on tape, they still stir up fond memories of the place i stayed for 15years.

Testament to the fact that everyone experiences some kind of diminishing memories.

I rest my case.

Brat Camp China - Past Articles

2007-04-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

For those who can read Chinese, here are a few links to some of my thoughts during the production process.

14个寒冷的冬天

一路行走

More pictures to be uploaded soon......

Brat Camp China

2007-04-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

This is an except from a pitch i prepared to a panel of judges in sept 2005.

"Good afternoon. I am XXX and hopefully the director who will get to make this film.

Well, I have to say, I was never a delinquent, I never smoked, fight or disobey my teachers while in school. I was never caught in the position that these kids went through.

However, I was in the army for two and a half years, and I know how it is like to stay out in the field. Back then, I was eighteen years old, but the kids you saw, some are only 8-years-old and the oldest 16? As trained soldiers, we stayed out field for a maximum of maybe a couple of weeks? But for these kids, it is not a few days, not a few weeks, but months.

It is tough, I can tell you. I was out there with them just last week for days, and this is the result. And right now, they are still out there at Hubei, an inland province to the south of Yangtze river, marching under the hot sun, on and on and on...."

now flash forward, just 2 weeks ago, in April 2007, after nearly 2 years of work on this documentary, this piece of work is finally completed.

I've always wondered how differently would i have cut the film if it is not comissioned by a network.

From 103hrs of footage, I've extracted 47min.

From so many kids, I've chosen to focus on 3.

Is it more of a relief, marked by the completion of a monumental task or am i really happy with the final cut?

I try not to think too much.

Let the audience be the judge.

Completed: Apr 2007.

Coming Up Projects
Black Roses of Bangkok, a commercial documentary on two Thai female convicts as they put on gloves to become boxers behind bars. As former drug addicts and traffickers, this is a dramatic story of their personal fight against poverty and discrimination, above all, personal redemption. One of them may be freed from jail if she wins a World Title Championship in 2007.
Completion: End 2007.

This Too Shall Pass, an independent project on a 70-year-old cancer-stricken's man last journey to battle his illness. His final journey reveals his fears and hopes. Filmed over 3months, as his illness takes its toil, his extended family comes together to be with him, all except his beloved son... Completion: Hopefully by end 2007.

Mitre Hotel. This is a collaboration with a friend. A story about a more than century old run-down hotel located right at the heart of Singapore's crowning jewel shopping district - Orchard Road. Intricately involved with this hotel is a family court case over the plot of golden land, and a few intriguing characters who have claim this piece of ruins their "home". Completion: Hopefully by end 2008.