The 2nd Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition brings life to dying traditions

The second Singapore Heritage Short Film Competition (HSFC) has held recently and the awards were given last night at a ceremony at The Projector. 'Kuda Kepang: Reviving the Culture', a short film about a lesser-known traditional Malay dance with elements of magic and performers getting into a trance, took home the top prize in this competition. In second place was 'Beneath the Spikes', a short film about a man carrying a kavadi for the first time in his life to thank Lord Murugan. In a film competition about celebrating our heritage, many films paid tribute to dying trades and arts.

Here is the full list of winners and finalists:

1st prize : Kuda Kepang:  Reviving the Culture by 3 Invasions Production

Muhammad Na'im bin Mohammad, Jasper Lim, Louis Porfirios

2nd prize : Beneath the Spikes by Rojakrew Productions

Rishiikanthan, Sim Xi Zhe, Chelsea Ee Jing Wen, A Aravind

3rd prize : Wu De Ban by Twenty+ Production
Karen Wong, Evril Yu, Teh Kah Soon

Rest of Finalists
Team 1:  Beyond the Checkmate by A Game of Chess

Maxwell Lim Zhen Yang, Cherry Xiang Min Shu

Team 2:  I Am Eurasian by The Holga People
Sheena Gow Kai Hui, Zhang JinLing, Chen Yufan

Team 3:  Tools of the Trade by Secret Identity Production (also Best Technical Achievement Prize)
Muhammad Ridwan bin Zulkifli, Ouyang Jie, Li QIan Wen

Team 4:  Afterlife Architects by 801 Pictures
Elyss Tai Huay Wen, Zanne Siek

Team 5: Qing Ming Festival - Memories of Bukit Brown by zero 790 Productions

Lam Shu Shan, Wong Kim Fay

This competition was targeted at students and young talents, to encourage them to go out and discover stories of heritage from the many associations, clubs and societies (registered under Registry of Societies) that are 50 years or older.  The number 50 is meaningful as that would mean that the selected organization has been through 5 decades or even a longer time of establishment in Singapore, accumulating many rich stories and culture that resonates with the birth and growth of our nation and society. 

The submitted films were judged by an independent judging panel, currently consisting of heritage experts AP Foo Tee Tuan and Imran bin Tajudeen;  as well as established filmmakers Victric Thng and Gek Li San. 

 

After yesterday's award ceremony, the winning short films will be compiled into a travelling showcase, which can be screened at the physical space of Clan Associations, Clubs and Societies that are featured in the films. The organisers hope that this series of free public screenings further encourage people from all walks of our communities, young and old, of different creed, gender and race to visit these old places and watch the films in a communal experience.

There are also plans to bring the films across the Causeway and overseas as well.  In May 2015, HSFC successfully collaborated with Kaki Lima Short Film Competition, organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated, to organise film screenings of their respective finalists’ films in Singapore and George Town, in the presence of the respective winning filmmakers and organisers too.

 

On 9 to 10 October, the very first public showcase of HSFC2015 finalists outdoor screenings will be held on Ann Siang Road.

For more details, especially updates on upcoming travelling showcase screenings, visit:
Website: www.sfs.org.sg/shsfc

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sghsfc