Singaporean Director Launches Indie Sci-Fi Comedy Against Odds

A new indie sci-fi comedy from Singapore, titled We Can Save The World!!!, is making waves despite the challenging landscape for cinemas in the country. Directed by Cheng Chai Hong, the film follows Ryan, a public servant who embarks on a chaotic adventure with a character claiming to be an alien. Their quest unfolds in Singapore, as they search for a missing recycling bin and dodge government agents, showcasing a unique blend of local humour and eccentric storytelling.

The film defies conventional categorization, merging both art house and commercial elements in a way that is uncharacteristic of Singapore’s previous cinematic offerings. Cheng, who also wrote and produced the film, highlighted the challenges young filmmakers face in pursuing unconventional projects. In his director’s message, he expressed, “As young filmmakers, we’re not supposed to take risks like this… You’re expected to chase your dreams, but only within ‘approved’ lanes.”

We Can Save The World!!! premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival in mid-July, marking Cheng’s debut feature. As the only fully independent Singaporean film featured, it has garnered attention for its originality and authenticity. The film’s local theatrical release is set for September 18, 2023, with specific cinema details to be announced closer to the date.

Challenges and Resilience in a Shifting Cinema Landscape

Despite initial plans for a public release in August at The Projector, a beloved independent cinema, the venue closed on August 19, 2023, after more than a decade of operation. Shortly thereafter, the historic Cathay Cineplexes announced a cessation of operations on September 1, 2023, due to financial difficulties. These closures have signified a troubling trend for cinemas in Singapore.

In response to these setbacks, Cheng’s team has continued to engage audiences through innovative marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and in-person events. They have actively encouraged potential viewers to nominate a guest-of-honour for the gala premiere, reflecting Cheng’s commitment to fostering community involvement in the film’s launch.

Cheng’s dedication to representing Singaporean culture authentically is evident in the film’s dialogue. He noted that many filmmakers might default to Mandarin to appeal to broader audiences, but he chose to embrace the local vernacular of Singlish. “I was so against that in principle… If I say I wanted to make a Singaporean movie, why am I making a Mandarin movie?” he stated. This choice adds depth and realism to the characters, making them relatable to local audiences.

A Vision for Singaporean Storytelling

The genesis of We Can Save The World!!! can be traced back to Cheng’s own experiences. The 35-year-old director, an alumnus of Dunman High School and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, deviated from a conventional career path to pursue filmmaking. He explained, “I get bored very easily… my first instinct is always to look at what the norm is… then think how I can break that and have fun with it.”

Cheng first captured audience attention with his web series Average Guys, which gained popularity for its mockumentary style. He understands the complexities of Singaporean audiences, stating, “We’re a very proud, stubborn bunch. We think we know what we know and what we don’t know.” His approach to filmmaking often involves challenging common perceptions, which he aims to accomplish with his latest project.

The film’s visual representation of Singapore also seeks to challenge the notion that the city-state is boring. Cheng believes that filmmaking in the country often lacks creativity and fails to explore the diverse aspects of its landscape. “It rarely takes creative liberties… but Singapore can be so much more,” he asserted. By incorporating everyday items, such as a blue recycling bin, into the storyline, the film offers viewers a fresh perspective on familiar settings.

Cheng’s casting choices further reflect his commitment to authenticity. The film features a mix of established actors, newcomers, and social media personalities. By selecting actors like Noah Yap, known for his role in Ah Boys To Men, and Leslie Sim, a veteran technician playing an unconventional character, he subverts typical casting conventions.

While Cheng acknowledges that his choices may not be universally embraced, he remains steadfast in his mission to tell Singaporean stories in a more adventurous and creative manner. “It feels like Singaporeans are crying out for stories… that are crazier, more fun, and imaginative,” he remarked.

As Cheng prepares for the release of We Can Save The World!!!, he remains hopeful that the film will resonate with audiences and inspire others to pursue their creative aspirations. “I want Singaporeans to fill our cinema landscape with Singaporean aspirations; with Singaporean lives,” he stated. Despite the odds stacked against him, Cheng’s faith in his vision and belief in the power of storytelling continues to drive his passion for filmmaking.