A heartfelt cinematic missive to Singapore

THERE'S no place like home and there's nothing like a big birthday bash - and a movie that evokes a strong sense of what it means to be Singaporean - to prove it. To celebrate 50 years of nationhood, seven local filmmakers have pooled their talents to make 7 Letters, an anthology of Singapore tales that hits home, with feeling.

7 Letters makes a powerful case for the short-film format, compelling filmmakers to make a creative statement in 15 to 20 minutes and dispensing with unnecessary exposition or self-indulgent scenes. The result is a poignant showcase of individual styles that memorably make up a collective whole.

The nostalgic nature of several segments (bolstered by black-and-white scenes and an evocative soundtrack) will strike a familiar chord with local viewers of a certain vintage, but the film stands up to scrutiny from non-Singaporeans as well.