Hard truths in the lens at film fest

A HARSH dose of reality can be expected at this year's Southeast Asian Film Festival as regional politics and identity are explored across many of the works that will screen in this year's edition. Close to half of the line-up will consist of documentaries as the grim issues of communities living through instability and hardship come under the microscope of filmmakers from across the region.

"To understand this region, the documenting of reality is as important as the telling of stories," explains film critic and festival director, Philip Cheah.

Sam I-shan, programme manager at the Singapore Art Museum, where the festival will be held, adds, "Documentaries allow directors to tell very intimate stories. Audiences can readily engage with the sometimes thorny and topical subjects raised."

This can be seen in the controversial documentary, The Act of Killing by Joshua Oppenheimer. Set in Indonesia, the BAFTA Best Documentary winner shows mankind's capacity for violence.

The festival is returning for its fourth year, having first started in 2011. Four films will make their Asian premieres and one - Pascalina by Pam Miras, a drama about a girl who has been treated harshly by life and begins to experience strange and dark events - will make its international premiere.

Similar to last year's edition, 20 films by both veterans and up-and-coming directors will be screened alongside each other.

A special focus has also been given to Mindanao, Philippines. "We find that the momentum of Philippines regional film is reaching a crescendo," says Mr Cheah. "New filmmakers now have an awareness of regional identity. Futhermore, more film festivals in the Philippines are now situated in the outlying regions."

The Philippines have a total of seven films scheduled to be screened this year - the most from a single country.

Another new component of the 2014 festival is the use of various video formats by the filmmakers. For example, director Pam Miras whose film, Pascalina, was shot entirely on a digital Harinezumi toy camera. In another Filipino film entitled Rekorder, director Mikhail Red used CCTV footage, MiniDV and recording devices to tell the film's story.

Ms Sam says, "Mikhail Red explored experimental filmmaking, enabling audiences to understand and appreciate the film's story through the different formats and styles".

Two Singapore films have also made the line-up; one of which - Sayang Disayang directed by Sanif Olek - will close the festival. The film revolves around the relationship between a bitter old man and his caregiver, who remains cheerful despite his constant scoldings.

There will also be 10 post-screening discussions with the film makers where festival-goers will get the chance to interact with visiting directors.

The Southeast Asian Film Festival runs from April 11 to May 4 at the Moving Image Gallery, Singapore Art Museum at 8Q. Tickets are available at Sistic and priced at $10 for each film screening or $8 concession for students, senior citizens and NSFs