Seven Local Film Directors to Collaborate for Singapore’s 50th Anniversary

Seven of Singapore’s most illustrious film directors have come together to celebrate Singapore’s 50th year in the best way they know how – by making a film dedicated to Singapore, its past, present and what we aspire to be.

The “Magnificent Seven” – Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, Kelvin Tong, Tan Pin Pin, Royston Tan, Boo Jun Feng, and K Rajagopal – are all award-winning filmmakers and familiar names in Singapore’s film industry. They will pool their creative storytelling and filmmaking talents in the one-of-a-kind project to celebrate Singapore and its people.

boojunfengK Rajagopaltan_pin_pin crop(L-R) Boo Jun Feng, K Rajagopal, Tan Pin Pin.

The film will be an omnibus of seven short stories, each a unique interpretation of Singapore and the lives of its people by the respective directors.

“It is a privilege to work with some of Singapore’s most talented directors to make a film that pays tribute to our home in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th year. All seven of us hope that this collaboration can inspire everyone to reflect on our nation’s journey, revel in how far we have come, and look forward to a brighter future,” shared Royston Tan, who is leading the project.

(L-R) Kelvin Tong, Royston Tan, Eric Khoo & Jack Neo. Photo: Facebook
(L-R) Kelvin Tong, Royston Tan, Eric Khoo & Jack Neo. Photo: Facebook

He added, “This announcement signals the start of work by all seven of us on our individual stories. I like to think that the project is a microcosm of the Singapore story. We all have diverse film-making styles, we all see different aspects of Singapore and its 50-year journey in our unique ways, and yet it has given us a common sense of purpose. We hope this will shine through in the final cut.” This is the first time all seven directors will be working together and the film is set to be released in the middle of 2015. While the directors are excited to work on this project, they acknowledged that there is not a lot of time for a project of such a scale with so many people involved. First and foremost would be the confirmation of an iconic venue to premiere the film come 2015.

Tan, best known for his work on films such as 881 and 15 said: “This is a meaningful collaboration and we want like-minded partners to help us bring this project to fruition. Singapore and our people have influenced so many aspects of our lives, and we directors have been given the opportunity to develop our career and passion in film. So a lot of heart is going to go into this and it is a way for me and the other directors to give back to our country.”

More details on the film, the stories and its cast will be announced in due course, he said. The film is being made with the support of the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC).