Get a bite of Royston Tan and his newest film

Headlining local film festival Rewind/Remind by the Singapore Memory Project, Royston’s latest project may stir up some rumblings in you

You may have been enchanted by his flamboyant getai movie 881 (released in 2007), or stirred by his controversial gangster film 15 (released in 2003 but based on his earlier short film) – talented director Royston Tan has a way of reminding us about the forgotten faces of Singapore, and his latest project will fill you up with nostalgia.

Titled “Old Friends”, the documentary serves up heartfelt tales and recollections on a delectable platter. Be swept back to old-school Singapore through local snacks, and reconnect with the nation’s collective memories through a story of food, struggles, love and joy.

Releasing this final installation in his series – preceded by “Old Places” (2010) and “Old Romances” (2012) – the acclaimed filmmaker shares his favourite memories of Singapore with Weekender.

What have you been busy with or involved in recently?

I am currently doing the final post-production for “Old Friends”, and also preparing for the completion of 7 letters and 3688.

Did you go around eating as research for “Old Friends”?

In the first round, the directors ate from the stalls. In the second round, a research team went around the proposed hawker stalls to verify the taste and the authenticity of the food.

What’s your favourite traditional Singapore food?

Ah Xiao Teochew Braised Duck in Army Market. I like to eat in Geylang because it still retains its charm, although it’s changing very quickly. I just like the authentic feel Geylang has.

Which is your favourite film?

I think my all-time-favourite has to be 12 Storeys by Eric Khoo. He set the benchmark for local films back in the ‘90s when there were none. With 12 Storeys, he made the HDBs look so exotic.

How do you think Singaporean films have been evolving?

Right now, Singaporean films have a lot more of their own identity. Back then I think we were still searching for a particular image of ourselves.

Right now though, our filmmakers are more vocal in expressing local issues and you do hear a very distinctive Singapore voice.

Do you think the local audience is more accepting of controversial films?

I think over the last few years Singaporeans have opened up. Much more than what we imagined; the government had to keep up with it.

The fact that we are a mature society means Singaporeans can think. Hopefully one day we can do away with the film classification system.

How do you feel about local films, such as Ilo Ilo, winning awards at international festivals now?

I’m very happy, because I think that every genre of film in Singapore deserves to be seen. Films like Ilo Ilo really open up more doors for young filmmakers to make other kinds of movies which are different from mainstream films.

What’s your favourite childhood memory?

In primary school, whenever I heard the ice cream seller’s bell, I told myself I just had to endure another 10 minutes, and that would be my reward. Chocolate chip ice cream was my favourite flavour – along with the colourful bread, it brightened up my day.

Every time I think of that I think that life should be so simple, we should always take delight in simplicity.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I want to go back to the ‘80s to see my childhood, taste how kopitiam coffee tasted like and to read the newspapers and see its old font. I think that the ‘80s was a very nice, simple and traditional time. As a kid, I didn’t really fully experience it.

What’s your personal benchmark for a “good” successful film?

A successful film doesn’t have to be classified as award-winning or a commercial success. The most important thing is that a film has to speak to the heart of the audience.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

It’s important to keep your passion alive and don’t rush to make your very first feature film, because you can never go back to make your very first film again.

So take your time to slowly craft your film, your story, and treat it like your lover. This is very important. Don’t rush into making your first feature film; and also don’t rush into relationships too quickly.

By Pamela Chow

Catch the public screening of “Old Friends” on May 24 at the National Library Building.