Tiong Bahru, 2010

For nearly a decade, directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor have produced notable shorts inspired by community groups across the country, informed by a distinctively theatrical and cinematic style (35mm, lengthy single takes) and playing on the themes of hope, identity and belonging. A selection of these films have now been collated into a single, nearly-seamless body of work, capped off with 2010’s Tiong Bahru, a 20 minute urban drama set in Singapore which looks at the overlapping lives of three characters and the life decisions they’re faced with. Overwhelmingly poetic, with an impressive score to match, it’s an engaging story and not only highlights the pair’s progression as storytellers, but the similar threads of humanity that define us, regardless of where we’re from. Civic Life is showing at selected cinemas across the country, but comes to the ICA in March. For specific dates, visit the Independent Cinema Office website. (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)


Leisure Centre, 2005

10:00 am  •  17 February 2011  •  1 note