From now till April 2, immerse in the diverse cinema of Southeast Asia at the Asian Film Archive's Reframe: INLAND, ISLAND. Guest-curated by Philippines-based film scholar and critic Patrick F. Campos, the programme features 10 features films and four short films from beyond the historical centres of filmmaking. Hailing from Kedah (Malaysia), Sumba (Indonesia), Chiang Rai (Thailand), and more, these tales provide alternative perspectives to the conflicts of border living, flows of migration and the struggles of minorities, indigenous groups and the marginalised.
Catch highlights like The Ballads of Cinema Lovers, a documentary showcasing the inspiring grassroots movement in Purbalingga town in Indonesia that led to the formation of the Purbalingga Film Festival. The Island Funeral follows three protagonists through the southern Thai province of Pattani, which has been torn apart by religious tensions and revolt. And in The Dream of Eleuteria, we delve into the sacrifices that provincial women make to survive through the story of a Cebuano mail-order bride, and her journey towards the pier where she will leave her beloved hometown for her old German husband-to-be.
Get your tickets to catch Reframe: INLAND, ISLAND at the Oldham Theatre at AFA's website – Friends of AFA members are entitled to a special one-for-one ticket deal too. Also don't forget to tune into a short online film programme that explores Singapore's place within an archipelago, and two online discussions with a panel of international guest speakers.