Singaporean filmmaker showcases Lim Chu Kang in documentaries

Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia 26 Oct 08;

SINGAPORE: Singaporean filmmaker Eng Yee Peng has spent nearly a hundred thousand dollars on a documentary close to her heart.

Eng, who used to stay in Lim Chu Kang, felt compelled to preserve the rural landscape's history by making not one, but two documentaries, aptly titled "Diminishing Memories".

"For Part One of the film, I felt that I have something to improve. But Part Two of the film, there's nothing else better I can do already, based on my limited time, resources and budget," said Eng.

Audiences, especially the last surviving farmers from Lim Chu Kang, were moved to tears when the film was screened in Singapore recently.

Tickets for the initial six screenings at The Arts House were snapped up within a week. Due to the overwhelming response, another 10 more screenings of the film have been scheduled.

Part One of the documentaries has been shown at international festivals and on television in Australia and South Korea.

Part Two was later made but went 200 per cent above budget at US$60,000 – all from the director's savings. She also took a year, working 15 hours each day to complete the 49-minute film.

Eng said: "I need to stop filmmaking for a few years. I am not sure if I can continue. If you want to continue this journey in the long run, do not exploit yourself. Get enough funding and do not be afraid to justify enough funding for your project."

The director, who is a former MediaCorp producer for current affairs programmes, said she is taking on video-editing jobs for now before deciding on her next big project.

Related links

Diminishing memories website http://diminishingmemories.spaces.live.com/ with details of screening dates.