CINE65 HONOURS FOR LOCAL FILM-MAKERS

To remind Singaporeans of the innocent love they have for their country. That was the main message of short film Priceless which won the Overall Best Film and Best Screenplay in the open category of the second season of ciNE65 Short Film Competition (ciNE65 II).

The protagonist, Sam, is a boy who gets into a fight with his primary school mate who tried to take away his eraser. He ends up with a bruised face and a cut on his forehead, but when asked by his father and school principal if the eraser is worth fighting for, he says: "It's the only one I have with our flag on it."

The innocent dispute symbolises the significance of defending one's own and the love Singaporeans have for their country since young, said Mr Kenny Tan, 30, who was the director as well as the scriptwriter for the film.

"I still remember the innocence when you were young; you had no idea of nationalistic values or defending your country, but you would definitely defend what is yours and for something - that is a Singapore flag on an eraser," he said.

He drew his inspiration for the film from his own childhood memory of playing the eraser spinning game.

"As Singaporeans we may be different but we share similar memories," said Mr Tan. "I realise that many people have the same memory as me, and at that time... the erasers with the Singapore flag were the ones that were very, very rare and very, very expensive, and something which you would fight for... I can remember that very fondly. So the story would seem real to the audience."

Organised by Nexus, the Ministry of Defence's national education arm, ciNE65 is a unique platform for aspiring film-makers to tell their Singapore stories - the good, the bad, and the quirky - to touch the hearts and minds of Singaporeans. It also recognises and nurtures local film-making talents.

With the theme "I'll be there for you, Singapore", ciNE65 II attracted 166 film entries. This was more than double that of the inaugural run in 2011, which received 72 entries.

Speaking at the ciNE65 II Awards Ceremony on 9 Jul held at Golden Village Grand, Great World City, Guest-of-Honour Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing said he was heartened by the response to the competition as it showed that people cared and wanted to contribute.

"Many of the ciNE65 clips relate to me personally and deeply. They revolved around themes of family, friends, care for fellow Singaporeans, commitment to Singapore's defence and love for this place called home. Some brought back long-forgotten memories, some touched my heart and some made me laugh."

On the quality of films, Mr Chan said: "The quality of films submitted was truly impressive. They reflected the deep thought and effort that participants put into making their films. More importantly, they have engaged us at the level where it matters - the heart."

The Best Overall Film prize for the student category went to Going Away, directed by Mr Tariq Bin Mansour, 20, a third year Moving Images student from Temasek Polytechnic.

The film tells the story of a young lady who struggles with her decision to join the army. Her family and friends keep reminding her of the things she will stand to lose if she does so. But these people are the very reason she wants to join the army in the first place - so that she can protect them and not lose them.

"The fact that a girl is put into the character just makes it more patriotic," said Mr Tariq. "A girl instead of a guy wanting to fight for and defend the country and the things that she loves the most - her friends and family. That was my inspiration."

The teams behind Priceless and Going Away won cash prizes of $3,000 each, as well as Panasonic cameras, and overseas learning trips to a regional film festival.

Honey won the Favourite Film which was determined by public voting. The Inter-School Challenge, a new award this season, went to Temasek Polytechnic which submitted the highest number of entries.

Thirteen other awards were presented for Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Favourite Actor, and Favourite Actress.

To catch the videos and find out more about the ciNE65 II Short Film Competition, visit the official website at www.cine65.sg.