The 70-minute documentary film is
commissioned by St Nicholas Girls’ School Alumnae Association to commemorate the school’s 85th
anniversary this year. Directed by St. Nicholas alumnus Eva Tang, whose
previous work was The Songs We Sang, the
documentary is beautifully interweaved with touching interviews and
re-enactments of past events.
As a former St Nicholas Girl myself, the
film was eye-opening. I’ve heard stories from my mother; she was an Old Girl
too (that’s what we call our alumni), when the school was still located at
Victoria Street. But growing up, my sisters and I attended St Nicholas when it
was already located at Ang Mo Kio, for a solid ten years of primary and
secondary education. Yet through the film, my mother’s oral histories were
transformed into a visual experience for me.
In my 7-year-old mind, the colossal
building and vast school grounds of the Ang Mo Kio compound was confusing and
daunting. But now, I can only imagine the desire of the students and Sisters at
Victoria Street to have more facilities, as they had to have lessons at makeshift
areas.
The school’s rich history is reflected in the
film as it documents the origins of the school as well as its growth from its
past to the present. Using the transition of black and white to coloured scenes
as a parallel to the passage of time, it is a vicarious and nostalgic
experience for the audience, especially for Old Girls. Coupled with fresh faces
and stunning imagery, the film’s docudrama style helps to transport audiences
into the past.
Needless to say, the documentary depicts
several conflicts ranging from communist undertones to the rivalry faced
between Chinese and English schools. Education was a prominent theme explored
in the film with a huge focus on the efforts of the educators as the students
try to grapple with being effectively bilingual. Being a Chinese school, it was
an uphill battle to inculcate the use of English in its students. But with the
zeal of the principal, teachers, and administrators, St Nicholas eventually
became one of Singapore’s top schools.
Watching a documentary about my alma mater
on the big screen definitely brought back memories. It was strangely poignant;
I could understand and relate to these women who were twice, perhaps even
thrice my age.
A memorable scene etched in my memory was
when the girls were upset with the decision made by higher authorities
regarding their new school building. In that moment of sadness, one girl
muttered the lyrics of the school song. Gradually, the others chirped in one by
one and subconsciously, I found my lips moving along and echoing the school
song with them despite graduating a decade ago.
As seen in the film, St Nicholas Girls' School has since evolved and will continue to do so. After the renovation, the
school grounds at Ang Mo Kio are now reconstructed and new to me, but one
thing’s for sure; the spirit of our school will always be in us.
From
Victoria Street to Ang Mo Kio is a great watch for
all Old Girls and current girls alike, and it will be equally informative for
educators as well as mainstream audiences.
From Victoria Street to Ang Mo Kio was screened at the Singapore Chinese Film Festival 2019.
From Victoria Street to Ang Mo Kio was screened at the Singapore Chinese Film Festival 2019.
Written by Christine Seow