There isn’t a better time to gather a couple of Singapore’s most prolific directors together for a one-of-a-kind film project for Singapore.
7 Letters, an SG50 omnibus film represents seven heartfelt ‘love letters’ to Singapore, capturing each of the director’s’ personal and poignant connection with the place they call home.
Here are 7 fun facts to know about 7 Letters, which premieres at the Capitol Theatre this Friday, 24 July 2015.
(Watch the trailer here!)
1) Love letters by 7 Singaporean Directors
Singapore’s seven most illustrious directors have gathered their creative storytelling and filmmaking talents in a one-of-a-kind project celebrating Singapore’s 50th year.
- Boo Junfeng: Parting
- Eric Khoo: Cinema
- K Rajagopal: The Flame
- Jack Neo: That Girl
- Tan Pin Pin: Pineapple Town
- Royston Tan: Bunga Sayang
- Kelvin Tong: Grandma Positioning System (GPS)
2) Tickets are ‘pay-as-you-wish’
That’s right! All tickets to the sold-out premiere screenings and additional screenings at National Museum will be through donations instead. All proceeds from the screenings will go towards seven beneficiaries, identified by the 7 directors:
- Alzheimer’s Disease Association
- Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association
- Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore
- PERTAPIS Senior Citizens Fellowship Home
- Singapore Buddhist Lodge Welfare Foundation
- Student Care Service
- Transient Workers Count Too
3) Additional Screenings
About 6000 tickets were fully taken up in just over 2 hours of the commencement of ticketing on its official website. A total of six screenings over three nights (24 - 26 July) will take place at the refurbished Capitol Theatre.
Because of the overwhelming response, 3 additional screenings have been added for more to enjoy this special SG50 film. Moviegoers will be able to enjoy 7 Letters during the Golden Jubilee weekend, from 8 - 10 August at the National Museum of Singapore.
Tickets will be through donations, on a first-come-first-served basis at the National Museum of Singapore front desk on 1 and 2 August from 10am to 6pm. Each NRIC holder is limited to 2 tickets.
4) Special DVD Set
A limited edition DVD set will be available for sale during the gala premiere screenings at Capitol Theatre (24 - 26 July). Designed by President’s Design Award 2014 recipient Larry Peh and his team, the special DVD box set is priced at S$200 each.
Only 1000 copies will be available for sale. Each collector’s item contains a DVD of the film, insights to each of the seven shorts, as well as personal mementos from the directors such as old photographs and handwritten notes. All proceeds will go towards the appointed seven beneficiaries.
5) Opening Prelude Musical Piece by 7-year-old Toby Tan & Golden-Horse Winner Ricky Ho
An open call for a local pianist last month landed 7-year-old Toby Tan a golden opportunity of a lifetime - to perform live on stage at the newly refurbished Capitol Theatre at the gala premiere.
Despite his young age, he was handpicked from the wide range of participants by Royston Tan and Ricky Ho. Toby, who started playing the piano by watching YouTube videos, will be performing a five-minute piano piece - Serenade of the 7 Letters - written by Golden Horse-winning composer Ricky Ho.
6) Royston Tan to Directors: "It has to be personal and from the heart."
During the earlier part of the film’s announcement, Royston Tan, who is also the leader of the project shared that all 7 directors were given the same brief ‘A love letter to Singapore’ and the same amount of budget to work on their short film.
Kelvin Tong, one of the directors on the project said: “I think when Royston first approached me to do this film, I was really honoured but at the same time, I was really doubtful. First of all, I have not shot a short film for many, many years and secondly, I make horror films."
"When Royston explained what 7 Letters meant and knowing that it was also going to be for SG50, I thought I just give it a go because I am in really good company... Just to have an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of this anthology that showcases six other very sincere filmmakers in Singapore, was just a too good a chance to pass up," said Tong.
7) Guest Appearances
Since this is an anthology film, expect a whole range of actors young and old, including a special appearance by award-winning French actress Juliette Binoche and some actors whom we have not seen on the silver screen for a long while.
7 Letters premieres on 24 July 2015!