LASALLE students win at National Youth Film Awards 2017

The National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) aims to identify talented digital storytellers, and connect them with industry professionals in order to foster growth in Singapore’s film scene. Six entries by LASALLE BA(Hons) Film students have been nominated for the awards, and we speak with two of the teams here.

The Aisles of Adventure is a short animation that depicts how the imagination is limitless, and sometimes all it takes is a chance encounter with a like-minded individual to unlock one’s creative potential. Hong Gah Yain, Xavi Aseniero, and Goh Wei Li drew upon fond childhood memories in the conceptualising of this film, which has emerged a contender in two categories: Best Animation Film, and Best Character Design in an Animated Film.

Image: The Aisles of Adventure, 2016, film still. © Courtesy National Youth Film Awards.

WARD 77, by Angelina Bok, Engku M. Iqbal, Ho Say Peng, Vance Lam, Tan Hong Ren, Derwin Tan and Nur Bibiyana Binte Hussain, is an evocative short film that raises questions about how well one knows family, and if the ties that bind them are strong enough to withstand hidden secrets. Inspired by Professor Edwin Thumboo’s poem of the same name, the film opened at the National Poetry Festival 2016 to great applause. WARD 77 is up for the Best Screenplay, the Best Editing, and the Best Direction awards.

Image: WARD 77, 2016, film still. © Courtesy National Youth Film Awards.

How did the team’s passion for film-making begin?

Aisles of Adventure team: It started when we realised we could use this medium to convey messages, and possibly touch the hearts of others.

WARD 77 team: I think it’s also how all of us simply just have a love of film, so we’d naturally transition from being cinema-goers to producers of the cinematic experience.

What was one trait that the team felt was essential in filmmaking?

Aisles of Adventure team: Teamwork. In the filmmaking industry, a huge team is essential to develop an idea and execute it into a tangible product. Knowing how to collaborate with individuals with differing perspectives and work styles is therefore crucial.

WARD 77 team: Sincerity. Not only in terms of the team’s work ethic, but also in reference to having genuine elements to a story. As filmmakers, we feel compelled to capture honest stories that will draw the audience in.

What was one lesson that the team learnt from the filmmaking process?

Aisles of Adventure team: We learnt that passion is the true driving force behind productions. It is this passion that will reflect the lengths a team will go in order to create something meaningful and visually worthwhile to watch.

WARD 77 team: Always have a backup plan because anything can go wrong in a shoot. It helps to be ready and composed when such instances happen.

Why did the team decide to participate in the NYFA this year?

Aisles of Adventure team: We felt NYFA’s vision aligned well with ours, and so it was a good platform to encourage our fellow Asians to not be afraid to express themselves and their creativity.

WARD 77 team: NYFA provides students with excellent exposure to the film industry, as well as great opportunities to further develop our craft. It also gives our crew the recognition they deserve after all their dedication into the project.

The NYFA Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday, 22 July 2017, and it was announced that WARD 77 bagged the top Hyundai Best Direction Award, and the Best Screenplay Award. Congratulations!

A heartiest job well done is also extended to the other LASALLE nominees. It was a great showing at the NYFA from the teams behind Rescue Before Dusk, Photoshop 100, Pantone, The Aisles of Adventure, and The Interval Timer.