Veteran Actor Lim Kay Tong Stars in Singapore’s Indie Film Premiere

The indie film The Old Man And His Car, directed by Singaporean filmmaker Michael Kam, premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 2, 2023. This debut feature explores the challenges of aging, touching on themes such as loss, solitude, and the difficult decision to give up driving. The film follows Hock, a widower played by veteran actor Lim Kay Tong, as he prepares to sell his cherished car and move to Canada to live with his son.

Lim expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “There are very few projects at this stage in my life and career that really get me going.” He highlighted that the script resonated with him immediately, leading to a quick decision to join the cast. The actor, who co-founded TheatreWorks, shared that he finds theatre increasingly “instantaneous” and prefers the more deliberate pace of film and television, where retakes allow for deeper emotional exploration.

Microbudget Filmmaking Challenges and Inspirations

Kam described the film’s production as a “microbudget film,” with a total budget of approximately US$50,000, a stark contrast to the typical Singaporean feature film budget of between US$500,000 and US$1 million. Most of the funding came from Kam’s personal resources, driven by a desire to demonstrate that a similar model of filmmaking could thrive in Singapore, inspired by South Korea’s micro-budget programs. Kam stated, “You have limited funds, but your creativity is on steroids,” indicating that constraints can foster innovation.

The film features a diverse cast, including Kristin Tiara, Richard Low, and Vincent Tee, all of whom shared Kam’s vision and passion for the project. Low emphasized the importance of manageable investments in Singapore’s small cinema market, noting that high costs make it difficult for films to break even.

Kam’s personal experiences influenced the film’s narrative, particularly the decision by his father to cease driving due to age. He noted that the car featured in the film resembles his father’s vehicle, adding a layer of authenticity to the story. The dialogue incorporates English, Mandarin, Malay, and Hokkien, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Singapore. Kam aimed to capture the subtleties of language transitions to reveal the characters’ values and backgrounds.

Reflections on a Long and Diverse Career

Lim’s reflections on his lengthy career revealed a journey that has taken him from Los Angeles to London, China, and Australia. Despite the challenges he faced, including numerous rejections in Hollywood, he valued the lessons learned and the international standards he encountered. He remarked, “Knowing what the benchmark and standard are internationally, you try to maintain those standards wherever you’re working.”

His experiences in the United States, particularly during his time on the NBC series Noble House, highlighted the limited opportunities for ethnic minorities. Lim recounted how a gathering organized by actress Nancy Kwan brought together a community of Chinese actors, fostering camaraderie in an otherwise isolating environment.

As The Old Man And His Car begins its journey into international cinema, it showcases not only the stories of its characters but also a broader narrative about aging and the personal transitions that accompany it. Through his role as Hock, Lim Kay Tong embodies the complexity of these experiences, offering audiences a poignant reflection on life, loss, and the significance of connection.