Get ready for a thrilling cinematic experience as I delve into “Fresh Meat 2023,” an enthralling screening event that unveils the future of Singapore’s film industry. Despite its modest size compared to other countries, Singapore’s film scene proves its mettle, making remarkable strides and earning recognition well beyond its borders. Over the years, it may seem like only a few standout films managed to capture the attention of general audiences. However, I firmly believe that immersing oneself in the local film scene reveals a world of undiscovered gems. Ones that deserve much more recognition than they currently receive.
Fortunately, opportunities are now arising for Singaporeans to explore these local treasures. Most notably, *SCAPE is hosting ‘Fresh Meat 2023,’ a screening event at GV Suntec City. It features an impressive collection of short films from up-and-coming Singaporean filmmakers, each delving into prevalent topics within Singaporean society while captivating audiences with unique storytelling approaches.
Rise of Genre Filmmaking
As a cinephile, I always look forward to watching films of various genres, and personally, I have a great fondness for science fiction and superhero movies. That’s why I was intrigued to find out that ‘Fresh Meat’ was showcasing films of varying genres.
“Genre films already have a universal appeal at its very core and essence, that’s truly where most filmmakers take notice of films. Alistair Quak
And it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was fascinating to observe how the filmmakers utilized unique approaches to storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed Calleen Koh’s film ‘Hot Buns,’ which skillfully blended multiple animation styles, reminiscent of the acclaimed ‘Spider-Verse‘ movies. Additionally, Christine Seow’s ’21’ creatively used newspapers, magazines, and old photographs to craft a captivating scrapbook aesthetic for her documentary.
With a growing demand for fresh perspectives and unconventional storytelling, we witness Singaporean filmmakers challenging themselves by tackling different genres of films. This evolution in genre filmmaking promises a more vibrant and varied collection of films in the local industry, as our talented filmmakers embrace the spirit of experimentation, leading to bolder creations that push the boundaries of storytelling
Tackling the Hard Issues Facing Society
The short films in ‘Fresh Meat’ go beyond the familiar, delving into territories that have long been deemed taboo or even uncomfortable to openly address. Many of the issues discussed are ones that we are already familiar with, but the films provide us with a fresh perspective on these topics. For example, in Christine Seow’s documentary ’21,’ we follow the story of ‘Lin,’ a girl who struggles to escape the shadows of her delinquent past and unfortunate circumstances. By sharing her story through film, Christine hopes to “break the stereotypes or clichés that people had of ‘Lin’ and offer a more nuanced portrayal of her as a person and her experiences.”
As local cinema evolves, we can look forward to filmmakers courageously addressing tough issues facing society while infusing their creations with a personal touch.
Bringing Local Cinema to the Big Screen
The local film scene has often catered to a niche audience, except for more well-known films like Jack Neo’s ‘Ah Boys to Men.’ Most of the time, local films are not easily accessible to the general public, often screened at various film festivals or smaller cinemas like The Projector. However, witnessing these local short films featured in one of Singapore’s leading cinema chains was undeniably exciting.
Despite being short films of varying genres, watching these shorts on a big screen was truly a highlight. It’s hard to replicate the experience of sitting in the theatre and immersing yourself in the stories of these films. Even the filmmakers themselves hope for their films to be appreciated in cinemas. Calleen Koh, director of the film ‘Hot Buns,’ agreed that nothing beats the magic of watching these films in theatres. With more opportunities like ‘Fresh Meat,’ local films are becoming more accessible to the general public, allowing us to experience them just like any other film.
“The darkness, the absence of distractions, and the careless whisper of the Dolby Atmos lady going “all…around…you…” create an immersive experience that transports you into the world on the screen,” Calleen Koh.
With these changes, the future of local cinema appears promising. Supporting initiatives promoting local cinemas is crucial to ensuring that more of our filmmakers get the opportunity to tell their stories. So, explore more events like ‘Fresh Meat’ to discover the treasure trove of local films that have remained hidden for far too long.