The Vanishing Cut
A documentary on Mr Lee Yuan Dong, one of Singapore’s last street barbers.
Credits:
Director: Hannah Yoong
Producer: Narada Soh
Assistant Director: Ryan Yiap Chang Feng
Production Designer: Fate Jireh Malacaman
Camera Operator: Reuben Ian Cho
Editor: Anthony Merciar
Inspiration:
“I wanted to honour Mr Lee for his service, for the people that he has formed relationships with and for standing strong from the start to the end.”
– Hannah Yoong, director
Paper Planes, Don’t Always Soar
Inspired by a true story of an aviation disaster, a daughter tries to bridge the bond she lost after her father returns home from a plane crash.
Credits:
Director: Diyana Amir
Producer: Terry Tan De Hao
Director of Photography: Kester Kiew Kai Jie
Production Designer: Colette Chong Shi Min
Sound Designer: Vanessa Chiu
Editor: Lee Jing Wei
Inspiration:
“I wish to shed light on what families of PTSD victims have to go through. I have lived through that experience, and it is possible to overcome it with a strong and open support system within your loved ones.”
– Diyana Amir, director
Mother & Daughter
Mother & Daughter is a documentary that explores the life of matriarch Mdm Teo Kerk Eng and how her story affects her daughter and granddaughter in the present.
Credits:
Director: Wee Antong
Assistant Director: Alethea Waticha Soo
Producer: Ashley Carmel Ang Xi
Camera Operator: Toh Chen En, Elton
2nd Camera Operator: Lynn Lee
Editor: Tan En Qiang Peter
Inspiration:
“Honour is about spotlighting important voices. My grandmother and mother are important voices in my life.”
– Wee Antong, director
Heartland
Hidden along the rows of shops in Bishan, stands Auntie Pearly’s photo printing shop of 20 years. She connects with the regulars in the area which then forms a community to support her way of life.
Credits:
Director: Calista Kit
Producer: Ng Shi Xian
Assistant Director: Syaza Insyirah
Director of Photography: Javion Tee Bing En
Gaffer: Richard Hioe
Sound: Tiffany Lim Zhi Xian
Editor: Kee Teck En, Tiffany Lim Zhi Xian
Inspiration:
“I was curious because the whole Bishan knows her. And when I met her, I understood why she’s so popular.”
– Calista Kit, director
Arty
Arty, a domestic helper, is preparing to leave Singapore after working for her employer, Ruby, for 15 years.
Credits:
Director: Cedric Koh
Producer: Natalie Chan
Assistant Director: Lynette Wee
Director of Photography: Ng Rong
Editor: Bridget Koh
Inspiration:
“I wanted to make a film which shows how strong and resilient women can be in their everyday life.”
– Cedric Koh, director
FILMMAKERS’ REACTIONS
Some of the featured filmmakers of Season 13 tell us why the Honour Film Screening was unforgettable for them.
It was such a meaningful experience attending the honour film screening. The films were heartening and personal, and I also appreciated the opportunity to celebrate the subject of the film live at the theatre.
– Narada Soh, Producer, “The Vanishing Cut”
The Honour screening was a wonderful way to showcase and honour student works while empowering the invisible heroes around us. My helper, who starred in the film, was extremely touched from the crowd’s reactions to her life story and it was a joy to honour her as a strong woman.
– Cedric Koh, Director, “Arty”
Screening my film beside my crew, and especially with my dad and family, for whom this film was made for, was an unforgettable and significant moment. Experiencing the fulfillment and recognition after months of hard work, particularly since this film was my undergraduate thesis, felt incredibly rewarding. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals at the event. After the screening, hearing people’s takeaways and reflections on my film was heartwarming and motivating. This entire experience with Honour Singapore has fueled my passion to create more meaningful art in the future.
– Diyana Amir, Director, “Paper Planes, Don’t Always Soar”
It was very memorable being able to see my film on the big screen and this opportunity to be able to share Auntie Pearly’s story with everyone.
– Calista Kit, Director, “Heartland”
Hearing the laughter and reactions of the audience reacting to my film on the big screen was touching. I realised how powerful personal stories can be and that vulnerability comes with strength. At the same time, the screening allowed me to honour my elders whom I greatly respect and love. I’m grateful for Honour’s support for young filmmakers and will forever remember this experience.
– Antong Wee, Director, “Mother & Daughter”
AUDIENCE REACTIONS
Guests at Season 13 of the Honour Film Screening tell us why the experience was so special for them.
The films were great and touching. Kudos to the film directors and crew and mentors!
– Joanne Teo
Congratulations on 13 seasons and 10 years of honouring Singapore through films and empowering storytellers!
– OKJ Works Pte Ltd
It’s made me cherish and appreciate helpers more. I’m in awe and in tears, so moved and i think i may continue to cry about this later.
– Rachel, SMU
Very impressive, I could feel the emotions of the film its just amazing, I’m at a loss for words.
– Vel , RMIT Uni
All the films are very inspiring!! Thanks for the showcase of these films.
– Dorcas Tan, NIE
The films were nicely done – thank y’all for reminding me about the small nuances of life that really matter!
– Shaun, NTU
The filmmakers and crew did a good job in concretising the essence of each story and individuals through their treatment and scripting.
– Susan, NUS
I was surprised by how touched i was by the short films!
– Syara, NAFA
It’s such a great initiative! Providing a platform for such stories to be acknowledged and recognised — and also to have it accessible to the public; affordably! Will return next year!
– Kyara, ArtsWok Collaborative
We should do more to encourage the making of such films!
– Christina, CapitaLand Investment Ltd
Every films touched me in different ways, I think they did a great job! I like the editing pace & treatment in Vanishing Cut. I like the sound design & performance of actors in Paper Planes. I like ARTY decided to honour the domestic helper. I like the vulnerability they shown in Mother & Daughter. I like they really showed how sweet Aunty Pearly is through the film, her humour, her kindness, her selfless spirit very well spoken in this film, I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks!
– Xyn Joe, PWM