Singapore-based Robot Playground Media and Malaysia’s The R&D Studio, in partnership with online video platform Viddsee, have launched a new anthology of animated short films titled SPECTRUM.

SPECTRUM is an anthology comprising of seven short films – directed by seven filmmakers from Singapore and Malaysia – that explore themes of family, relationship, and social realities on both sides of the Causeway.

The collaboration is the first of its kind between animation studios from both countries and is supported by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Each of the seven films will be released exclusively on Viddsee one month apart, beginning in December 2020 with the first film, Daisies And Sparrows.

Ervin Han, Managing Director of Robot Playground Media, said, “We’re very excited to have more Singaporean and Malaysian voices in regional animation, telling original stories in this format. There is an authenticity and intimacy to the films that I believe will resonate with audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond.”

Irwan Junaidy, Co-founder of The R&D Studio said, “This has been a terrific opportunity for the teams in Malaysia and Singapore to collaborate and inspire each other to produce our best work. It’s always exciting to see the diverse stories people create when given the chance to explore their potential, and we hope this paves the way for others, especially creatives from Southeast Asia to share their voices with the world.”

Derek Tan, Co-founder of Viddsee added, “As a platform that empowers storytellers, we’re delighted to bring this collaborative production to our viewers across the world. What we love about the project is its ability to bring together talented storytellers and animators across two countries to create a fantastical, heartfelt, and colourful anthology that we know our audiences will enjoy.”

The Viddsee site for SPECTRUM is www.viddsee.com/series/spectrum.

The seven short films are:

From Singapore:

Daisies And Sparrows

Writer/Director: Ervin Han

Synopsis: A young boy lives through both sides of parenthood in this short film about growing up and growing old.

The Visit

Writer/Director: Morrie Tan

Synopsis: A stop-motion film that explores a young girl’s growing-up years and relationship with her incarcerated father.

Grandma Comes Home

Writer/Director: Chai Yee Wei

Synopsis: A boy struggling with the passing of his beloved grandmother is given one more chance to meet her again.

Old Man And The Cat

Writer: Wendy Li Co-directors: Wendy Li, Jessica Nathania

Synopsis: A reclused and irritable elderly man forms an unlikely bond with a stray cat.

From Malaysia:

Framed Memories

Writer/Director: Mclelun

Synopsis: An old father seeks to reconnect with his estranged son as both grapple with the burden of regret and forgiveness.

The Dalang’s Tale

Co-Writers / Co-Directors: Irwan Junaidy, Maizura Abas

Synopsis: A story about family secrets that veer between light and darkness and touches on the subject of domestic violence.

Kuihpocalypse

Writer/Director: Han F

Synopsis: A comedy about the culture clash and the unifying love of food that sees a traditional kuih shop and Western-style bakery battle for customers.