The film was called Shirkers and was shot in Singapore in 1992. It was written by Sandi Tan, who also acted in the lead role.
Shirkers was never released.
Until now.
Sort of.
What was originally conceived as a road movie is now a documentary about why the film was never released.
And this version premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, USA, on Sunday to some positive notices.
The Guardian gave it five stars, calling it “a magical documentary about an unrealised film project that celebrates the power of youth and friendship”.
“Shirkers” has the handmade delicacy of a scrapbook come to life, blending ample footage from the original production with candid modern-day interviews and photography. Equal parts travelogue and archival rescue mission, the ensuing drama becomes a microcosm of broader themes.
The Hollywood Reporter called it “An alluring mystery spun from the joys and perils of collaboration” and said:
The film is also a fascinating rebel's-eye view of an authoritarian culture. Under Singapore's single-party regime, the country was a safe but boring place for a teenager in the '80s. Chewing gum was banned and, as Tan's voiceover narration notes, with a lingering sense of insurgency, family and the state were "in your face."
LA Times called it “a smart, idiosyncratic, one of a kind examination of the vicissitudes of cinema, and of life”.
The New Yorker called the film "gloriously, gleefully idiosyncratic".
I'm happy for Sandi.
Before she moved to California, where she now lives, she was a movie reviewer for The Straits Times for a while.
Tan, who is out of breath and animated behind the podium: “I wish I had something to read but I guess I have to improvise.
"Making a film is like keeping a secret for a very long time. For me it was 25 years. I’m whispering in your ear 25 years later and it’s magic.
"Making this film is me finding collaborators from around the world. Two years ago I was here and [Sundance Documentary Film Program team members] Tabitha Jackson and Kristin Feeley believed in me from the start and here I am with the finished project. Cinereach believe in crazy stories and people. "
"Thank you my Shirkers family. We pieced this movie together and put them up in a condo and they love each other and it’s fabulous. We’re all here for this crazy movie.
I think cinema is magic and you just have to keep believing in it.”
Tan tries to run off and grab her prize at the same time, creating a charming in-between moment, not knowing where to go.
There’s even a Budget 2018 logo with this overbaked design write-up:
“The warm shade of salmon pink represents our pursuit of a caring and inclusive society, where Singaporeans are free to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
“The four hearts come together to form the logo that symbolises a united Singapore, undivided by our differences and bonded by a common determination to overcome challenges ahead.
“The family at the centre reminds us that our families and friends will always be at the heart of what we do, no matter how far we progress as a nation.”
I think Budget 2018 may have too much budget.
What next? A Funko Pop figure of Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat?
Influencers could just be the beginning.
According to The Straits Times article:
“In an effort to reach out to younger Singaporeans, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has paid for over 50 social media ‘influencers’ to post on Instagram to promote the Budget process.”
Notice the subtle shade ST threw on the influencers by putting quote marks around the word “influencers”. Burn!
The ST report continued:
“At least 30 posts by these young social media users have popped up since December last year, asking viewers to visit the Budget website to learn more about the Budget, or to share their feedback with government feedback unit Reach on its website and at its physical ‘listening posts’ this month.”
Ohhh, so it’s not to promote the Budget per se, but to get younger Singaporeans to participate in the Budget process. Now I understand.
Did MOF get local social media stars like Xiaxue and Mr Brown?
No, MOF got such influencers as Shanel Lim, Chelsea Teng and Royce Lee.
Who the hell are Shanel Lim, Chelsea Teng and Royce Lee?
The reason I’ve never heard of them is probably the same reason MOF chose them — I’m not one of the younger Singaporeans MOF wants to reach.
I’m too old.
Talk about ageism.
Doesn’t MOF want not-so-young Singaporeans to participate in the Budget process too?
What has MOF done to reach middle-aged taxpayers like me?
Was there a TV commercial? I don’t know. Millennials aren’t the only ones who stopped watching television on television, if you know what I mean.
Ironically, it’s the debate over the effectiveness of MOF using influencers to promote the Budget that made an old fart like me aware that the Government wants feedback for the Budget.
So whatever amount MOF paid the “influencers”, the ministry certainly got its money’s worth in terms of publicity.
It even makes me feel like Japanese food for lunch.
