entry by Victric

I stared at my computer screen for a good 30mins, wondering what should I write. Blogging is something very alien to me, and YES, I am not in touch with technology and trend, but somehow, in some strange ways, it does remind me of the class diary that we have to write during my primary school days.

Of course, I am very very very happy to be doing my residency with Objectifs. It gives me the opportunity to work on some experimental videos, which I felt I should engage in for a long time. I have this acute interest in experimental works. Works that is abstract but full of meaning. Works that touches you in many different levels. Works that awakens the subconscious.

I believe, there is a huge lack of experimental films in Singapore. There is not even a scene or platform for experimental works. Most of the time, whenever I watch a local short film, I cannot help but have this feeling that somehow I have seen this film somewhere before, worse still, from another local short film. It gives me the impression that there is this “Template” local filmmakers are using to recycle over and over again in their films. I rarely come across a local film that is adopting experimentalism.

We need to do experimental works, I strongly believe in that. We need to get experimental and be experimental. That is where and when the local film scene will grow. Many successful filmmakers started doing experimental works before they evolve into a narrative that echoes their own voice and signature style. And many good films derive their inspirations from experimental works as well. Local filmmakers, in my opinion, are just way too safe, not willing to take risks or explore untouched boundaries. And many young local filmmakers are simply too eager to make a name for themselves. I don’t know if that is good or bad, but I hope while focusing on certain narrative, they should not overlooked the need to be experimental.

I'd like to start a small movement for experimental works, if possible, with some help and support from different enthusiasts. I am no experimental filmmaker myself, but I am learning to be one. So, if you have any experimental film or video, and you like to share it with me, do send it to Objectifs, attention it to me. I’d like to take a look. Once I collected enough works, I may like to propose to Objectifs to do a experimental film screening or something.

I have just completed my first piece of experimental work, called “Requiem for a Somnambulist”. And hopefully, in the near future I can share it with you guys.

Let’s get alternative and think out of the box.


- Victric Thng