A Wes Anderson-ish Singapore - An Architectural Short Film Premiers Virtually at Archifest 2021
Updated: May 16, 2022
*Updates* - We are thrilled to be featured in a number of media articles internationally, a big thanks to Dima at ArchDaily, Nathaniel at Archinect Schweta at De51gn, Ding En at Wonderwall & AsiaOne, Vaibhav at Design City Lab!
ArchDaily
Archinect
https://archinect.com/news/article/150286410/wes-anderson-inspired-short-film-explores-singapore-s-diverse-built-environment
De51GN
Wonderwall
AsiaOne
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/inspired-wes-anderson-charming-film-ode-singapore-architecture
Design City Lab
NOWNESS
https://www.nowness.com/picks/a-wes-anderson-tour-of-singapore
And of course, the Virtual Exhibition of Archifest 2021
https://archifest.sg/virtual-exhibits/
This October, join us on a photographic adventure across the island of Singapore, as we document the changes in the built environment and rediscover everything accidentally or intentionally, Wes Anderson.
After a year of exploration around my own city state, having zero budget and overcoming countless challenges, let me present to you "A Wes Anderson-ish Singapore", my second documentary short film on the built environment, focusing on the urban planning, architecture, places and ordinary people of Singapore and how they adapt under the pandemic situation.
The short film was inspired by the filmscape of Wes and his associates, in particular his cinematography style ( DOP Robert Yeoman). The scenes were framed using mostly flattened symmetrical perspective with focus on architecture, but contextualized and told with elements that are uniquely Singapore. Visual, music and scripting references are drawn from Wes's signature works such as "The Grand Budapest Hotel", "The Life Aquatic by Steve Zissou", "Moonrise Kingdom" as well as the upcoming "The French Dispatch", there are quite a few of them, can you find them all?
It all began from a single video: Singapore Town, exactly a year ago and perhaps you may have already seen some of the previous videos, these have now become individual chapters of the short film. I hope to show you my journey over time, and also to present everything together as a coherent piece of work, hope you would enjoy the little trips. This is my ode to the built environment of Singapore, the place I call home.
We are excited to be part of the exhibition for Singapore Archifest 2021 entitled "Singapore Through My Eyes". Please do consider checking out this month-long event on architecture here: https://archifest.sg/
A special shoutout to 1023 A Capella for their cheerful rendition of "Di Tanjong Katong" which is the opening song of the short film. Please show support to them if you enjoy their songs. https://www.youtube.com/c/1023official
They have recently released a new album at Spotify here: https://tinyurl.com/3nskm9m5
Heartfelt thanks to:
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Firangi Superstar
ATLAS
Tipsy Flamingo
All The Batter
Poster Hub
These are beautiful and perhaps the most Wes Anderson-esque places I could find in Singapore, consider paying them a visit when you are here!
Also, as an architectural photographer, allow me to show you some of the recent buildings here such as the upcoming CapitaSpring by Bjarke Ingels Group, Apple Marina Bay Sands by Foster + Partners, Kampung Admiralty by WOHA, Jewel by Safdie and RSP and SDE4 by Serie + Multiply. It will be a great architectural adventure.
Lastly, let's start counting down to the official global premier of Wes's latest work: The French Dispatch on 22 October. Can't wait!