In the 4th edition of Singapore Shorts, the Asian Film Archive presents the complete restored collection of short films by local pioneer independent short filmmaker, Rajendra Gour. Four works have been newly restored in 2022, including the discovery of an early work that was originally assumed to have been part of another work.
The Rating for this programme is
Eyes (1967)
Runtime: 5 minutes
Country: Singapore
Language: No dialogue
Rating: PG (Some Disturbing Images)
Synopsis
Eyes explores the pain and suffering in the world caused by a lack of understanding amongst mankind. All of this is viewed through the “eyes” of the people of the world.
A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm Eastmancolor print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.
Sight and Desire (Eyes) (1968)
Runtime: 23 mins
Country: Singapore
Language: English with subtitles
Rating: PG13 (Some Sexual References and Disturbing Images)
Synopsis
An experimental film that investigates the act of perception and the limits and possibilities through vision. Accompanied by an omniscient narrator and the conjuring of striking imagery, the film examines various conceptual underpinnings of what it means to “see” and what our eyes can truly do.
A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour positive print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2021.
Sunshine Singapore (1972)
Runtime: 7 mins
Country: Singapore
Language: No dialogue
Rating: PG
Synopsis
Sunshine Singapore features the sights of sunny Singapore set to music. The film carries the hopes of a young filmmaker, the beauty of a young nation, tempered by the familiarity of daily life.
A 4K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour positive print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2018.
Labour of Love: The Housewife (1978)
Runtime: 19 mins
Country: Singapore
Language: English with subtitles
Rating: PG
Synopsis
Labour of Love: The Housewife examines the role of the Asian woman within the realm of the home and the family. It features the boundless work that a housewife must accomplish in a day to run a household and to care for her family. The film is an early feminist take on the perception regarding the economic value of the stay-at-home mother and wife, whose contribution to society is underrated.
A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour reversal (with scenes of black & white) print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.
My Child My Child (1979)
Runtime: 12 mins
Country: Singapore
Language: English with subtitles
Rating: PG
Synopsis
A follow-up to Labour of Love: The Housewife, My Child My Child begins with a woman reflecting about herself as a person and as a mother. The love and sacrifices she makes for her children are evident as she reminisces the many happy memories spent with them.
A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm print made up of both Eastmancolor and colour reversal film stock from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.
Oldham Theatre’s opening hours
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