This night tour will be hosted by Gerald Sim, and is part of the programme Prasasti / Inscriptions: Unearthing Intertwined Legacies. There will be a second tour on Friday, 17 April at 10pm hosted by Gerald and Luthfan of Forum Lenteng who curated the film programme. 

About the Tour

Most of what we know about pre-colonial Singapore comes from three decades of systematic excavations on the island. Archaeology, as the scientific study of the human past especially through the excavation of soil is known, shares a striking kinship with the discipline of cinema. Both the pickaxe and the camera function as tools that simultaneously uncover, efface, and construct memory. In this night walk across Singapore’s Civic District, we will examine key archaeological sites side-by-side with film and visual culture, examining how both disciplines recontextualise images of the deep past to construct contemporary identity and authorise power. Borrowing from the practice of Candikala, the archaeological off-shoot of Jakarta-based film collective Forum Lenteng, we will unpick the overwritten layers of the past to read authority and its projection both through Singapore’s physical sites and the images used to interpret them.

Trail 

1. Oldham Theatre
2. National Gallery
3. Empress Place
4. Singapore River (base of Fort Canning near Coleman Bridge)
5. Fort Canning Foothills

About your guide

Gerald Sim is a heritage professional who works in the intersections of Archaeology, Maritime Heritage, and Visual Culture. He was an alumni of the 2025 Film Programmer’s Lab and programmed the special programme “Refuge Island” for the Asian Film Archive’s Singapore Shorts programme.

Things to Note

• Please arrive at the venue by the stated time. The walk will begin on time, and we will not be able to wait for latecomers.
• The walk involves approximately 30–45 minutes of light walking, including stairs, with several stops along the way. Total duration is expected to be 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace and discussion.
• This is a rain-or-shine event. Ponchos will be provided if needed.
• Please have dinner beforehand. Walking on a full stomach is good for digestion. Do feel free to bring hydration, mosquito repellent, and wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
• The walk takes place at night, in low-light conditions. Please be mindful of your footing and surroundings at all times.
• The route includes uneven terrain and areas with limited lighting. It may not be suitable for those with certain mobility or access needs.
• You are warmly encouraged to share your thoughts and ask questions during the walk, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.

There are two ticketing types for this event: (i) General and (ii) General + Film Screening. If you choose “(ii) General + Film Screening”, you will be entitled to a film screening of any choice within the Prasasti/Inscriptions programme. Do state in your order notes which film screening you wish to attend, or email ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org your film screening of choice. 

Friends of AFA members, please read the membership guide on how to purchase your discounted tickets and redeem your complimentary tickets.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre operates on a free seating arrangement. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime so arrive early to choose a seat and avoid disrupting the screenings as AFA does not play ads and screenings will start promptly.

All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.