Would you fancy watching a film on a Friday evening? What about a local film at the Esplanade Library? This should be a refreshing experience for most people. Organised by Library@Esplanade and in partnership with the Singapore Film Society, there is actually a screening every two Fridays since 14 Jan. You can visit http://www.facebook.com/sgfilmslibrary for more movie information. More importantly, the admission to catch its movie is free!
The pictures taken will more or less give you an idea of how it's going to be like. Set on screen with an overhead projector, you can tell that the best seats are actually right in the middle area. Don't expect comfortable seats and extended leg space like the GV MAX in VivoCity. If you're expecting a cinematic movie experience as though in theatres, then you're in for a disappointment. The wooden chairs are placed side by side before the screening begins and you're free to choose your seats.
For those who are choosy with their seats (like me), I suggest reaching earlier to occupy the seats near the middle area so as to make the movie experience more enjoyable. Do approach the friendly librarians if you have any doubts. The comfortable (but rather low) black sofas at the library can actually be utilised for your use if you ask the librarians. When I was there for the first time on 11 Feb for 'White Days', there's a kind librarian who actually told us, "Make yourself comfortable." And with that, you know what to do... =D
I was at the Esplanade Library again yesterday (25 Feb) to catch the local film titled 'Invisible Children'. I would say this has more effort put into it than 'White Days.' It is often interesting to see the works of others and what they manage to come up with. In the 'Invisible Children', we see the attempt to showcase life in the army, in school, as well as involvement with an air stewardess. You can't really film these without the relevant authorities' approval, can you? So kudos to the director Brian Gothong Tan in getting the shots he required.
Although there are some who may have left the library for various reasons, (Yes, you're free to leave), there is always a significant number of audience who seems to know how to appreciate the film in one way or the other. For these people, they will be rewarded with what seems to be the best of the entire event - the Question & Answer Session at the end of the film. The director and sometimes including the cast of the film are invited to share their experience when producing their precious work. The audience are free to have their doubts answered and can even exchange their personal thoughts on the film.
It is never easy to make a film as there are more things to be taken care of, like the script, venue, cast, equipment etc. However, it is inspiring to watch our very own Singapore-made films, especially with a larger audience. Film-makers-to-be or lovers will be tempted to brainstorm their upcoming projects to turn their ideas into realistic featured films.
With that, I wish to share an important piece of news to film-lovers. A film that is more than 80 minutes requires much more preparation with an interesting story to draw your audience. For a start, why not do a 3-minute short film to test your potential?
The 13th edition of the Very Short International Film Festival (VSIFF) is here again in 2011 to introduce two brand new categories: Health Promotion Board (HPB) "Breathe" special category, and Singapore Arts Festival 2011 "I Want to Remember" special category. You stand to win fantastic cash prizes of up to $8000!
Here's the link for more information:
http://www.zomedia.sg/VSIFF/VSIFF.html
Note that the deadline for local entries is 15 March 2011!
So be quick and good luck to you!