Can humans and robots co-exist in peace? What if one could replace painful memories with happy fantasies at the flick of a switch? Anchored on the theme of “Beyond 2020”, the second season of 20/20: The Temasek Short Film Project has officially started its run.
With 20 short films and music videos by 20 groups of young filmmakers – this season sees Singapore’s filmmaking talent bring to life themes such as tech disruption, social resilience and environmental degradation, after a year of scripting, filming and production.
The result: 16 short films produced and directed by tertiary students from LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Technological University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic, as well as an Open Category for young working adults. The official premiere of Temasek 20/20 follows an earlier sneak preview of four music videos produced by secondary school students, featuring the original theme song “We’ll Be Okay”.
As with the previous season, Temasek collaborated with Singapore-based film production company mm2 Entertainment, who oversaw the filmmaking process alongside ten acclaimed local directors. Project participants were guided and mentored by the likes of Boo Junfeng, Michelle Chong, M. Raihan Halim, Ervin Han, Eric Khoo, Ong Kuo Sin, K. Rajagopal, Kirsten Tan, Royston Tan and Wee Li Lin.
Said acclaimed local film director Boo Junfeng, who is returning to Temasek 20/20 as a mentor for the second consecutive season: “Over the course of being a mentor, I have discovered fresh voices and new perspectives in our burgeoning film industry. It has been a fulfilling journey.”
Inspired by Singapore’s relentless development, the young filmmakers explored tech-oriented topics such as the displacement of cash and artificial intelligence replacing human companionship, as seen in CA$H and Old Friend respectively. Other short films offered bold ideas and fresh perspectives that challenged societal norms, such as equal rights for all regardless of sexuality in Declaration, and the addiction to social media in 2.0.
Taking part in Temasek 20/20 for the first time is veteran film director Raihan Halim. He said: “I am excited for the world to see the work these students have produced. They were unafraid to challenge societal norms to bring to life their vision, and I am proud of what they have accomplished in the process.”
The public can join the Emoji Storytelling contest on https://twenty20.temasek/contest, where they can win attractive prizes each week from 31 May to 25 June by summarising the short films using emojis. They can also collect bonus emojis by taking part in short quizzes, and sharing the films on their social networks.
From 20 to 26 June 2018, shoppers can also experience the magic of movie-making at the Temasek 20/20 pop-up Cinema House at B4 ION Orchard. Visitors will have the opportunity to recreate their favourite scenes from the short films and music videos, create their own GIF animations, immerse themselves in a cryonic simulation, and win attractive prizes from the Temasek 20/20 Box Office.
Films from 20/20’s first season in 2016, which were themed around local philanthropic causes gathered over a million video views and garnered invitations to participate in international film festivals; I Believe screened at the AS Film Festival in Italy, while Mother was featured at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival in Canada.
More information can be found on the official website: https://twenty20.temasek/
