THE BITE by Esquire Singapore

29: Episode 29: The state of film in Singapore


Listen Later

Episode 29: The state of film in Singapore
 
Take a bite: For episode 29 of The Bite podcast, Esquire Singapore’s features editor Wayne Cheong joins as a special co-host alongside main hosts Anita Kapoor and Esquire’s editor-in-chief Norman Tan. 
 
Together with Singaporean director, screenwriter and film producer Anthony Chen of Ilo Ilo (2013) fame, and Yuni Hadi, executive director at Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), the group held a riveting discussion on all things film in Singapore.
 
The podcasters also explored Anthony’s newest film Wet Season (2019), that will make its debut in Singapore as the opening film for SGIFF on 21 November 2019. 
 
00:00—Introduction
Our hosts Anita Kapoor (speaker, host and TV personality) and Norman Tan (editor-in-chief of Esquire Singapore) introduce their guest co-host of the day, Wayne Cheong, features editor at Esquire Singapore, and the topic of the day: the state of film in Singapore. 
 
2:10—“Coffee catch up”
Anita, Norman and Wayne each share their experience of Esquire Singapore’s Esquire Neighbourhood, that took place over the weekend on 16 November, with an opening party on 15 November. With 25 activations across 12 locations, the two days drew 7,113 people to the Duxton neighbourhood for fitness classes, cocktail masterclasses, talks, games, and more. 
 
Anita also held her first collaborative photo exhibition ‘What Will It Take?’ at Telok Ayer Arts Club. She had initially created this set of photos for a proposed public exhibition on nature at Gardens by the Bay, but the photos were considered too risqué. She shares the objective and process behind her images. 
 
10:53—"Fresh off the grill”
Feature segment with a new guest each podcast. 
 
In this episode, the hosts are joined by Yuni Hadi, Executive Director of Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), and Anthony Chen, Singaporean film director, screenwriter and film producer. 
 
The podcasters spoke about the themes presented in Anthony’s latest feature film Wet Season (2019)—the storyline features an adult female teacher developing a relationship with her 16-year-old student. Wet Season (2019) will debut in Singapore on 21 November 2019 as the opening film of the SGIFF, which celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this year. 
 
Anthony reveals the decision behind the casting—Koh Jia Ler and Yeo Yann Yann who both starred in Ilo Ilo (2013)—what went on behind the scenes that made him break down in tears, and what makes him tick as a director. 
 
With the SGIFF celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, the festival this year features over 90 films from 40 countries. Executive Director Yuni Hadi shares her top film recommendations of the lot and how the team always makes sure to create an intimate feel for attendees—from the music you hear when you’re seated, to the scent that you’re smelling.
 
So what is the state of film in Singapore? Both Anthony and Yuni agree that we currently have a new wave of some of the finest filmmakers we’ve had for generations. But faced with the climbing costs of filming in Singapore, how can this be sustainable?
 
1:02:43—“Last call of the day”
In the last segment of this episode, the hosts and guests play a quick-fire game of guessing movie quotes. Play along and see how you do! 
 
LISTEN, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE
Loved our podcast? Subscribe. Stay connected to us on social media by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more from the Esquire Singapore universe—to learn how to build a life that matters—head to our website: esquiresg.com.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

THE BITE by Esquire SingaporeBy Esquire Singapore