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VSIFF 2012 - Short Film Competition in Singapore
Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:56PM / Members only
I was recently involved in a panel of jury for Very Short International Film Festival VSIFF 2012 in Singapore organised by ZoMedia/ZoCards (who managed the free postcard stands you see in Singapore).
VSIFF, which originated in Paris, France in 1999 debuted in Singapore in 2010 as part of the French Voilah! Season. The Festival has played in up to twenty countries and eighty cities worldwide with a unique concept of screning "at the same time everywhere".
For Singapore, together with a team consisting of filmmakers Eric Khoo, Anthony Chen and Wee Li Lin. Xavier Nicolas, General Manager of LucasFilm Singapore was also on board. Along with him, we presented the 'Originality Award' and 'Certificates of Encouragement (for creative use of animation)'.The awards ceremony was at Marina Bay Sands - Avalon.The place is just fantastic and it commands excellent unobstructed view of the marina waterfront. Everyone including myself was indulging in Hooch, films and conversations, so much so that I didn't really take many pictures (with my new hairdo). After all, it's the winners' night!But you are welcome to view more pictures and the winners list in another blog here by SINDIE. Thank you to VSIFF organising team for making this another year of success and contribution to the film industry in Singapore. I hope they open categories like 'best of martial arts' in the next edition.Cheers to all the winners!8 views Share 
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Gala Premiere - Kaiji 2
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2011 10:52AM / Members only
Kaiji 2 is a film about a giant pachinko machine ('mother of all pachinko) called 'The Swamp' and how gambling chances (or smart-ass tricks?) could change the fate of Kaiji and his friends, and foes, once you get the million yen winnings. *CHINK CHINK.
Tatsuya Fujiwara (aged 29) was the only cast that attended the gala in Singapore and won many screams from his ardent female fans. When asked how he wants the audience to react to the film, he spoke along these lines (if I was not half-asleep from the waiting) 'It is a commercial film, hope everyone will enjoy. Thank you'.The story was taken from a Japanese manga by Fukumoto Nobuyuki, thus the acting was probably more dramatic but not exaggerated that you have to distract yourself. Side note, I watched this film without any reference to manga neither have I watched Kaiji 1.There's the usual bad guy versus good guy and guess who's the bad guy and good guy in the end kinda story. But the almost 2 hours journey definitely need some patience and do not watch this movie if you are rushing for time as you'll find yourself losing your mind everytime the story give you 'false hope' that Kaiji (lead by Tatsuya Fujiwara) is going to win one million yen from 'The Swamp'.It is so incredibly difficult to hit the jackpot but to save his life (his guilt too?) and his domotachi (friends), he has to keep trying to borrow money and luck from all the people around him. It's probably a good movie to explore how people got their luck in gambling machines. I thought they could use more angles during the 'The Swamp' time.The only female highlight was not outstanding - Yuriko Yoshitaka's performance seemed subdued and displayed very limited dynamics. I would have like to see her cry or try to commit suicide or at least hit Kaiji on his shoulder or something.If you are not a fan of Tatsuya Fujiawara and Kaiji manga, you will only like this film if you like to see people win at gambling machines. :) Enjoydicator - 7.0/10.51 views Share
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Japanese Reading Time
Sunday, Sep 12, 2010 2:17PM / Members only
Recently I wanted to challenge myself to read a simple Japanese storybook after about 5 years of study... Haha...
This book is about the relationship of a gentleman and his prospective wife. The title of the book translates to something like 'My Selfish/Self-indulgent Wife' (僕のとてもわがままな奥さん) by 银色夏生.I just started this little small book and it seems fun actually, sometimes like a puzzle.
I haven't got an electronic dictionary to help me understand some difficult vocab/phrases. But well, l'll guess it's like reading comprehension skills, you guess the meaning... :)I am reading very slowly with other (English) books. Maybe it will take me months.
85 views Share
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Hiking - Kranji War Memorial
Sunday, Sep 5, 2010 9:05AM / Members only
Arranged a short hiking trip some time back on a Sunday with a friend to Kranji / Sungei Buloh, the west of Singapore where there's much nature.Singapore is a sunny island. I'm not a great fan of the sun. Haha.Once a while, a outdoor trip makes you look at things differently. :)
The hike started from Woodlands Road, towards the Kranji War Memorial, and a short walk to the surroundings of Sungei Buloh, where you can see the Western Johor (Malaysia) Straits.
The trip started at about 9.30am and it was already past noon after we ended. With sweat and thus, we took a bus back to the train station and farewell / lunch!
I'm not sure if I will still remember the way without the guides...84 views Share
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Loving Cupcakes
Thursday, Sep 2, 2010 11:05PM / Members only
I think cupcakes cure my everything and I have a sweet tooth, especially for bitter chocolates.So it never beats receiving cupcakes for any occasions!These were from ION Orchard's Marmalade Pantry. It's a must try if you're into sweet stuff.It should eaten like how French took their time for pasta?I shared it with friends so it's never too heavy.Alternatively, take your time to savour it with wine or tea!
The Mooncake Festival is coming soon!I shall hunt down the unique flavours for this year~83 views Share
