March Screening – Singapore Film Night

12 LOTUS
“…an Asian Moulin Rouge” (Variety Magazine)

NATURE ON ITS COURSE
“As much a visual experience as it is a tactile one” (Canadian Animation Resources)

Singapore’s film industry, though often overshadowed by its better known counterparts in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, is actually a hidden gem cultivating world-class talent. This event will provide a rare opportunity for viewers to get a taste of Singaporean cinema and appreciate local artists of Singaporean descent.

Singapore-born Vancouver director Su-An Ng will be attending the event, presenting her animated short film Nature on Its Course and speaking with audience. Her award-winning film is about a careless hunter who takes more than he needs. Her message to viewers is to respect their environment and not to underestimate the forces of nature. Su-An Ng was presented the 2009 Emily Carr President’s Media Arts Award for her creativity, originality, and risk-taking. She was “inspired by the contrasting attitudes people have towards the environment and a reflection of the attitudes observed in Singapore and Canada.”

Another short animation Hush Baby is by Singapore filmmaker Tan Wei Keong. The story is about an over protected baby’s struggle for liberation. The many expressive faces of the baby are brought to life with dark humour and wit.

Described in the New York Times as the “bad-boy” of Singapore’s film world, celebrated director Royston Tan delivers 12 Lotus, a unique and flamboyant musical melodrama that centers on a famous getai (song stage) singer. The tragedy that unfolds is a tale of love and betrayal by the heartless men in her life who use and abuse her during her meteoric rise to fame and fall from grace.

A provocative insight into Singapore’s heritage and cosmopolitan society, this event would not have been possible without the support and assistance from the Vancouver Singapore Film Festival Society and MediaCorp Raintree Pictures, the pioneering movie company in Singapore.

Filmmaker Su-An Ng will be in attendance for Q&As.

This event is in both English and Chinese.

Please check here for Chinese information. 三月放映－中文介紹

Please Note:

Admission to this screening is limited to those over 18 years of age holding a valid VNAFF or VSFF membership card.

As a registered non-profit society, we screen films that have not been seen by the BC Film Classification Board. Due to regulations, all persons attending this event must be VNAFF or VSFF members AND must be 18 years or older. Membership can be purchased at the front desk in the Richmond Cultural Centre.

Date: March 27, 2010