Celebrating Six Decades of Singapore: Tales Unveiled in Cinema
This year, Singapore is celebrating six decades of independence, and to mark the occasion, a special event was hosted by North South University. The event showcased two films that offered unique perspectives on the city-state's heritage, resilience, and creative spirit.
The first film, 'Kopitiam Days', is a commemoration of 60 years of an independent Singapore. Made by six different filmmakers, the film explores the lives of people from various backgrounds and cultures, with a deep connection to Singaporean culture. The film is a testament to the rich tapestry of diversity that defines Singapore.
'Kopitiam Days' was followed by '12 Storeys', a profound Singaporean film directed by Eric Khoo. Released in 1997, '12 Storeys' is considered one of the most significant Singaporean films that dared to explore the hardships of its characters, often overlooked in discussions about Singapore's economic prosperity. The film is characterized by washed-up colors, unpunctuated lighting, and constant close-ups, immersing viewers in the grim lives of its characters.
'12 Storeys' presents the debilitating isolation of people who have very little, particularly immigrants subject to constant scrutiny and discrimination in the underbelly of Singapore's economy. Despite its brutally honest and often painful moments, '12 Storeys' moves forward through the characters' day-to-day lives, where humor and hardship walk hand in hand.
The event's guest of honor was Mr Richard Lee, the Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Dhaka. The audience witnessed the richness of Singapore's heritage, people's resilience, and creative spirit through the showcased films. An additional lucky draw was arranged during the event, offering kopitiam-themed rewards.
'12 Storeys' follows the disintegrating marriage of newlyweds, the crumbling life of an adopted daughter, and a struggling relationship between siblings. The film serves as both a family drama and a socio-political commentary, presenting a poignant portrayal of the challenges faced by Singaporeans in their daily lives.
The director of the film "Dragon Gate Assembly" from the anthology film "Kopitiam Days," released in 2025, is Wilson Yip. The film is a light-hearted, hilarious, and supernatural-action film that offers a different perspective on Singapore's cultural heritage.
The event aimed to extend the stories, values, and traditions that have shaped Singapore's identity over the past few decades to the students and faculty at this university. By showcasing these two films, the event sought to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Singapore's rich cultural heritage and the struggles faced by its people.
In conclusion, the event was a successful celebration of Singapore's 60 years of independence, offering a unique cinematic journey into the heart of Singaporean culture and the struggles faced by its people. The films showcased at the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, resilience, and creativity in shaping a better future for Singapore.
