Anxieties are the norm in filmmaking, especially for a control freak like me. You would think it gets easier with time, but it only gets harder.
Filmmaking is almost always a struggle before it becomes enjoyable, that’s when you can taste the sweetness of satisfaction from completing a work. I seriously think most filmmakers are sadistic.
Making and watching films provide me with so much gratification. My wife is sometimes jealous of this. But she is another big part of my life, and I probably need her more than I think I do.
It is really quite nerve-wrecking to be reading reviews of your own work. I had that experience for the first time in Cannes.
I’m not a religious person but I have this habit of going to Guan Yin Temple at Waterloo Street to pray for good luck. I did that just before Cannes, so there might be some divine intervention involved.
The human condition is universal everywhere. I guess that’s how our little film from Singapore connected with the international audience at Cannes. But I have to say, London has more life. People tend to be richer here, not physically, but what’s inside of them. And it’s a city that really cares about its culture and heritage.
Ang Lee is my biggest hero. I can’t imagine a better role model in terms of a filmmaker or even just as a person. I actually had the opportunity to speak to him backstage after the awards ceremony at Cannes. That really made my day.
A good film will move you or conjure an emotional reaction in you, and usually the really good ones do it in ways you can’t even describe.
I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I’m actually quite keen to explore that again.I believe it makes you a better director. But I dread memorizing lines as I’m bad with that.
I was always fighting with my two younger brothers growing up. I guess that’s usual when you have just boys at home. I had a really fun childhood filled with DOS games, badminton and booby traps, games that normal boys play.
I hope that a distinctive brand of Singapore cinema that is appreciated or admired around the world will emerge. My sense is that there is a new wave of films approaching, led by young, intelligent and perceptive filmmakers with a strong personal voice. I do hope they will get the support they need, and these films will be realized. Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan have done it. Hopefully our time is soon.
I wish I loved money more, then at least I would be less poor now, but the money will come someday, I’d like to think.
