Ah Ma Number 1
A family takes care of their lively and spirited grandma, who has dementia.
Credits
Director: Michelle Choo
Producer: Tiara Lim
Cinematographer: Dilraj Singh
Editor: Wong Min Quan
Writer: Esther Lee
Assistant Director: Charlotte Koh
Sound Designer: Amabelle Sng
Inspiration
“I was inspired by my parents, who are part of the sandwich generation that has to take care of their children as well as their parents. I’m glad that their authentic emotions were captured on film.
Almost two years after we made this film, my grandmother passed away. I will always remember her for taking care of me when I was young, and the love and care she has given to me.”
– Michelle Choo, director
Two-Sided Leaf
Growing up, he hated his father, who was never there. But something strange and unexpected happened when they met for the first time.
Credits
Director/Scriptwriter: Liu Jieting Kylia
Producer: Rachele Lim Xin Yi / Nur Ameerah binte Hidayathullah
Assistant Director: Ezekiel Chee Chong Ee
Editor/Camera Assistant: Lim Choon Yong Lester
First Camera Operator: Nurliyana binte Ramdan
Second Camera Operator: Muhammad Zul Khairi bin Salleh
Sound: Qadirah Ayu binte Mohd Khairi
Inspiration
“I grew up without my dad; he wasn’t around at all. I found it frustrating, and had a bad impression of fathers. But when I met my father for the first time, I actually felt a sense of home. Through making this film, I got to know him more.”
– Lester Lim, editor
Ashton
A couple is engulfed in deep grief after losing their child.
Credits
Director: Seah Zi Keane
Producer: Chow Hui Xian
Director of Photography: Summer Goh
Writer: Eesha Singh
Editor: Ng Zi Hui
Art Director: Jason Toh Jia Xian
Gaffer: Kristal Sum
Inspiration
“I had an aunt who passed away at a young age, when she was only 18. My grandparents — farmers who had never taken a day off work — stopped working for a whole month. I can only imagine what that was like, for something so strong to disrupt their routine of life, and to completely stop them in their tracks.
Through the process of making this film, I grew – not just as a filmmaker, but as a person.”
– Seah Zi Keane, director
Housewives
Two mothers from different backgrounds share a common journey — to make sense of their battle against depression, and triumph over it.
Credits
Director: Aisyah Rasyidah bte Reduan
Producer/Editor: Amelia Wei
Director of Photography: Sean Ng
Assistant Director/Screenplay: Kueh Yong Peng
Art Director: Nicole Chua
Camera Assistant: Alden Thng
Gaffer/Grip: Aylwin Ho
Sound: R Yuvan
Inspiration
“I wanted to give a voice to housewives, who are often under-appreciated and overlooked. They do so many things to make our lives comfortable, but we hardly see or notice these things. I hope my film brings out the essence and the importance of housewives, and mothers in general.”
– Aisyah Rasyidah binte Reduan, director
“My mum has always been open to me about her struggle with depression. I hope her bravery and courage in sharing her struggle will give other mums and housewives the bravery and courage to do likewise, and the comfort and knowledge that they are not alone in what they go through.”
– Kueh Yong Peng, scriptwriter / assistant director
Go Beyond the Flaws
What’s it like to live with a husband and father with bipolar disorder? This film provides a rare and intimate glimpse, behind the scenes and beyond the surface.
Credits
Producer: Florence Look Wan Cheng
Director: Ambrose Louis Chia Chao Yee
Director of Photography: Yim Zhong Su
Editor: Nizam Mushadat
Scriptwriter: Anna Ang Qiao Yuan
Sound: Mar Jian Li
Gaffer: Keith Tay Ding Jie
Inspiration
“I have always wanted to do a film that sheds light on bipolar disorder, but I just didn’t know how. The moment I watched the past Honour films, I knew that I HAD to tell this story.
This film-making journey has helped me mend my relationship with my dad, by a lot. Being a naive kid, I couldn’t understand — why is my dad like this? Why can’t I just have a normal father?
It was during the circuit breaker (lockdown) that I really began to observe him, because we were all stuck at home. I now realise it is something he cannot control, and that he is still my dad after all. Our relationship has improved because I have become more open, and more understanding towards him.”
– Anna Ang, scriptwriter
FILMMAKERS’ REACTIONS
Some of the featured filmmakers of Season 10 tell us why the Honour Film Screening was unforgettable for them.
“The Honour Film Screening was a very special evening for my family. Sadly, my grandmother has passed away since we made the film. Yet we could see her larger-than-life presence on the big screen, and hear her spirited singing, as if she was still alive. It felt quite surreal, and was a very poignant experience for my whole family.
It was also a great way to honour and thank my parents for their contributions in caring for my grandmother. It also gave my dad a precious opportunity to remember his mother in an unforgettable way.”
– Michelle Choo (left), director, “Ah Ma Number 1”
“As a filmmaker, I was touched and excited to see my film being screened to such a large audience in a theatre. I was glad to be able to share a true story from my life, and I hope this real-life father-son story will inspire many people in the world. This is just the beginning of my film journey, and I hope to showcase more films about family and relationships.”
– Lester Lim, editor, “Two-Sided Leaf”
“It was absolutely rewarding to see our film on the big screen at the Capitol Theatre – not only because the filming process was tough, but also because the screening finally gave my mum, my grandma and Aisyah’s mum the recognition they deserve.”
– Kueh Yong Peng (second from left), scriptwriter / assistant director, “Housewives”
“I was nervous about watching my film on the big screen alongside my family, friends and a live audience. As a budding filmmaker, I was glad that my film was noticed, but I wasn’t sure how it would be received. It was quite an experience, and I was happy to hear the reactions in real time!
Having my mom watch my film on the big screen made me feel like this line of work is worth it. I’m happy that I was able to make my mom a “star”, just like what her alter-ego has always secretly wished for… hahah! No matter what, I’ll always be proud of my mom and how her presence shows in this family she has built.”
– Aisyah Rasyidah bte Reduan (third from right), director, “Housewives”
“I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed the entire day before the screening. It was such a vulnerable piece that I had been waiting to share with everyone, yet I was afraid of how people would react to it. Especially my dad, as this would be his first time watching it, and hearing some things for the first time. As the film was playing, I looked over at him to see his reaction, and that was the first time I ever saw him shed a tear.
It is hard for me to express my love for my parents through words, so making this film was my way of showing them that I acknowledge their efforts, and that there are people who love and support them.
I hope that this film made my parents feel heard, seen and acknowledged for their journey. I also want people to know that although my dad is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it doesn’t make him any less of a human being. He is a good father and husband.”
– Anna Ang (left), scriptwriter, “Go Beyond the Flaws”
When film-making becomes a life-changing experience
Sometimes, making an Honour film is nothing short of a life-changing experience.
In the midst of a pandemic, with filming restricted to homes, these filmmakers had to look for stories that were right under their noses, right in their own homes.
What might have been viewed as ‘dirty laundry’ was now seen in a new light. Trash became treasure. Shame shape-shifted into honour.
And in that process,
Perspectives shifted.
Hearts softened.
Relationships mended.
Watch the video to hear their heartfelt inspiration and the profound ways in which they have been impacted by the making of their very own Honour film!
AUDIENCE REACTIONS
Guests at Season 10 of the Honour Film Screening tell us why the experience was so special for them.
“The films are very good. Very real, poignant and puts life in perspective. Food for the soul. Thank you Honour Singapore for this heartwarming reminder of what really matters.”
– Deanna Ong
“The films were very well made and struck at the core of the theme of Honour. I’m grateful to have witnessed these films and to have heard these stories.”
– Shawn Ten
“Inspiring and heartwarming. The authenticity of the films and the students’ talent is amazing. Glad I brought my family along!”
– Mandy Loh, TBWA Singapore
“Great films, great screenwriting and storytelling! Enjoyed every bit of it.”
– Gerard Goh
Very meaningful themes touching on the real challenges that Singaporeans face, and highlighting the need for society to be more understanding and supportive of each other.
– Anonymous
“All the films were inspiring! Also, the sharing by Mr Lim Siong Guan on the two legs of Singapore’s success — honouring our word and honouring one another — is very worth noting.
Borrowing the words from Mr Lim: May we all be inspired to be just human, relating to one another, and showing honour that springs from our hearts. Thank you for the meaningful and well-organised event.”
– Winson