Our Daily Bread

When Yuni asked me to do the main trailer for SIFF,
I just have to say YES to it.

I thought about what I should come up with, especially it is the 21st year of the film festival (a year that signifies that the festival is fully "grown up" and ready to move on), I found myself staring at the ceiling and the four walls of my apartment (which happens to be my usual activity at home as well). I was not inspired.

[Time Lapse]

Yuni was very kind and patient. She did not bother me or ask how I was doing. In fact, I was actually in a semi-panic attack, the deadline is coming soon, and I have nothing. My mind a complete blank.
I told my Producer (Ivy) that I wanted to do something with bread. She growled at me, asking me what has a film festival gotta do with bread? I replied, "Nothing!" (" And Everything!" in hind sight).
She asked me with utmost concern, "Does Yuni know about this? Does she approve of it?" I shook my head.

[Time Lapse]

So, the trailer was shot and done. Just like that.
3 months of constipation. 3 days of work.
Finished. Done. Baked.

When I showed it to Yuni, observing her reaction,
I was really relieved that she liked it. No question asked.
Furthermore, Philip likes it too.
He said, "There is something about bread-making, it is sexy!".

Really, it is just not about bread or bread making.
It is about a tender moment between a father and a son.
Both working together, quietly. The close relationship between them.
The son brings in the coffee, the father sips the drink. Both hands are
busy kneading the dough, working hard for the day.
No words, no dialogue.
All that is needed to tell are in the silence of the film.

And then, it is also about bread and bread-making.
Traditional bread-making, one of the local vanishing trade,
still struggling to survive these days.
This trade has to be passed down to the next generation,
like the father passing on to his son.
Our local roti, something so common, so familiar,
so simple and humble but yet it satisfies our basic needs.
I thought about it if it should be like film.

This year, I do not have a cake to celebrate the 21st edition of SIFF.
I only have a humble bread to offer, with my heart and soul in it.

21st Singapore International Film Festival Official Trailer (Production Shots)

This bread is simple, humble yet precious.

Jie Bakery & Confectionary, 

a shop may no longer be there for long . . .

The aroma of the bread brings back a sense of nostagia and warmth.

Production Briefing.

Discussing with the cast.

Jack

"Father & Son" - Uncle Jimmy & Ler.

A special thanks to Hui Cheng (acting Producer of the Day); Ler, who gladly said yes to the role; Uncle Jimmy who graciously sponsored us his shop for the shoot and even played the father's role. Jack, who came down and helped me for FREE even he was tired and exhausted from the previous night's shoot. My 2 guardians - Ivy & Ying Sien, who backed me up no matter what. And J, for being there and took all these lovely pictures.

*photography by JL.

View the Trailer:

Holland

After Berlin, I found myself on a train to Wageningen . . .



This is where I hibernated for 2 weeks . . .



Night & Day outside the window . . .


This is what our usual dinner looks like. There is a chinese takeaway in the vicinity. We ordered 'Ta-Bao' and it will be delivered to the hostel. Just look at the huge portion, it is no wonder someone easily puts on 3kg after almost 3 weeks of eating this ;-)








Awesome Amsterdam.


"Fly me to the moon!"


"Is this the spaceship I have been looking for . . . ?"

Asian Hot Shots Berlin 2008

My maiden trip to Berlin! Heard so much about this city and has been wanting to visit this city for so long but never found the opportunity or excuse to travel. When the invitation came from the festival, I was so delighted and immediately accepted it. However, this time, unlike the other festivals I have attended, I will have company - BIG COMPANY ! The largest contingent ever from Singapore will be heading to the festival. A total of 14 Singaporeans! Outbeat the Encounters Festival contingent with about 6 Singaporeans which I went 2 months ago.

Asian Hot Shots Berlin is a small cosy festival that emphasizes on Asian Films. It is very heartening to know that there are people in Germany who possess such passion and belief towards Asia Cinema, especially Southeast Asia. The inaugural Asian Hot Shots Berlin has my 4 films participated with much pride and gratitude.


The festival is held in an old theatre called 'Babylon' - one of the oldest theatre that is still around in the city. Heard that the theatre still screens black and white films every now and then. Cool.



The Opening Night with many people turning up for the event.
A good sign.


The Trio responsible for the festival - Maria, Laura & Tina.



The Singapore filmmakers having meals and chilling out together. A moment of bonding. Many whom I met and get to know for the first time.


This, as I have been told, is how an authentic german food looks like.




Besides attending screenings in the evenings, we also do the tourist thing and walk the city in the day!


Sometimes, being in a group is also pretty fun.



1 Composition, 6 Cameras, 6 Captures. This is from my camera.



The Singapore Showcase. The turn-out was pretty good for a small theatrette. The filmmakers get a chance to explain and talk about their films to the audience.


We have the Singapore Ambassador in Berlin to come support the filmmakers!


This trip was made exceptionally special and memorable for most of us was also because of another person - Mathias Ortmann.