8 great reasons why local cinema is thriving—and one huge reason it isn’t.

We caught up with Sanif Olek, longtime television and short film director, whose first feature, Sayang Disayang, is currently making the rounds at film festivals abroad.

In the leadup to Singapore International Film Festival, we chat to Festival Director Zhang Wenjie about media guidelines, the local film scene and life post Ilo Ilo.

From sex comedies to binational publicity stunts to Hollywood-funded blockbusters, here are some local films we're gearing up for next year.

The F1 Singapore Grand Prix is nearly here, promising lots of late-night races, concert, parties and other shenanigans. But all this talk of late-night activity got us thinking about the other end of the night—the wee hours between 4am and 6am, when everyone is asleep. Well, almost everyone. We got out of bed super early two weekends in a row and discovered wonderful little pockets of activity that most people never see. From shopping to fitness to eating, here are nine great reasons to get out of bed really early—and the interesting people you meet are a bonus.

The storyteller and educator is also the artistic director of the upcoming Singapore International Storytelling Festival (Sep 1-9).

In 1998, David Lim led the first Singaporean expedition to Mount Everest, but didn’t summit due to an injury. Weeks later, he developed a rare nerve disorder that left him paralyzed. But in the years since then, he has battled back to regain much of his mobility, done over 30 climbs and become a highly-paid motivational speaker working in 27 countries.

Industry players shed some light.

Born in Makati and educated in New York City, this intrepid tour guide is also a health activist and creative director at Manila arts space The Living Room.

DJ/producer and founder of LA-based avant-garde label Stones Throw Records, Peanut Butter Wolf (Chris Manak) is in town for the first time to spin at the premiere of Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton, an intimate documentary about the label’s early days and global influence (June 21). He’ll stick around for Sunday at the Training Shed (June 22), bringing his blend of soul, electro and hip-hop. But before all that, he tells us some deep stuff.