Singapore

Berlinale 2024 Review: “Cu Li Never Cries”

After presenting a series of compelling short films at prestigious festivals such as Locarno, Sundance, and Berlinale, Vietnamese filmmaker Phạm Ngọc Lân has finally premiered his eagerly awaited debut feature, Cu Li Never Cries, at the Berlin Film Festival. The film offers a poetic exploration of how the past continues to influence us and the journey of adapting to the inevitable changes of the present and future. It follows an elderly woman, Mrs. Nguyện, as she navigates a world that has dramatically transformed around her.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Andragogy”

“Andragogy,” directed by Indonesian filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja, immerses the viewer in an exploration of the shifting social dynamics during the digital age, where the boundary between public and private life is increasingly blurred. With much narrative depth and a nuanced point of view, Bhanuteja crafts a thought-provoking and timely work about contemporary controversies and their ability to affect the most vulnerable among us.

Venice 2023 Review: “Snow in Midsummer”

“Snow in Midsummer” by Keat Aun Chong is a deeply affecting film that delves into an underrepresented piece of history. Inspired by true events and literary sources, the film weaves a tragic narrative around the 1969 racial riots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also known as The 13 May Incident. The film plays at the intersection of art and history, serving as both an emotional journey and an unsettling social commentary, shedding light on an often underexplored and oftentimes misrepresented part of Malaysian history.

Locarno 2023 Review: “Essential Truths of the Lake”

Essential Truths of the Lake, the latest work from acclaimed Philippine director Lav Diaz, arrives at the Locarno Film Festival as a fascinating prequel to last year’s When the Waves Are Gone. It is a film of contradiction, complexity, and deep resonance, weaving political commentary, existential pondering, and a grounded police procedural into a textured and innovative work.

Cannes 2021 Review: Semaine de la Critique Shorts

In this article I will be looking at nine short films that premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival as part of the Semaine de la Critique selection. A refreshing slate of short films from all over the world, made by the hottest upcoming auteurs in cinema.