Tan Cheng Siong believed in the potential of a vertical kampung in Singapore, where a ‘C’ shaped high-rise building could foster a sense of community. This film tracks the pioneer architect’s journey with Pearl Bank Apartments, from its very start to its final days when the development was finally sold.
Now at the age of 83, Tan Cheng Siong continues to combat social isolation with architectural solutions that are inclusive and community-oriented.
The film is dedicated to Singapore Heritage Society
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About the film director
Kirsten Tan completed a Master’s in Film Production at New York University. Her first feature film “Pop Aye” (2017) was released to critical acclaim. It was the first film to win the Special Jury Prize for Screenwriting at the Sundance Film Festival, and the VPRO Big Screen Award at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. At the Singapore International Film Festival, she won Best Southeast Asian Film for “Dahdi” (2014), Best Director for “Fonzi” (2007), and Special Jury Prize for “10 Minutes Later” (2006).
Tan Wei Ting cares about telling honest stories. Her debut short film “CA$H” won Best Directing in the Open Category at the National Youth Film Awards 2018. Apart from directing, other works she has done include “One Hour to Daylight” (Writer); “Still Is Time” (Editor); “My Father After Dinner” (Editor), which won Best Singapore Short Film at the 26th Singapore International Film Festival’s Silver Screen Awards; “VOTE” (Writer), which won her Best Screenplay at the 3rd ciNE65 short film competition; “Passenger” (Writer & Editor) and “The Longest-Distance Relationship” (Producer), which won Best Jury Award and Best Documentary respectively at the 6th Singapore Short Films Award.
