Singapore has long been viewed as a dynamic nexus in the context of our larger region and especially Southeast Asia (SEA), often perceived as both a central hub and an observer of its neighbouring peripheries. This short-film programme, ‘Up/Down Singapore Hill: Un-mapping Our Perspectives of the Region on Screen’ invites audiences to transcend conventional narratives and explore viewpoints that challenge how Singapore and SEA are interconnected yet distinct, delineated by our national narratives.

The metaphorical reference to “Singapore Hill” in the title evokes the historical and colonial legacy of Fort Canning, a strategic military site during the colonial era, and aims to challenge and reframe traditional, often colonial-influenced worldviews outward to and of SEA. By invoking a site associated with war and conquest, the programme highlights the need to critically examine and transcend these imposed perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse and interconnected identities, serving a powerful reminder of the historical contexts that have shaped current viewpoints, inviting audiences to explore new, more inclusive narratives that honour the plurality of voices within SEA.

The films in this programme explore the localised vantage points with which we view the region and the world, mediated and governed through the perspectives of Land, State, and Body. The focus on Singaporean works is an opportune lens with which we can consider our standpoints and biases. Each film is a narrative thread, woven from the fabric of lived experiences and oral literacies, demonstrating the complexities and richness that make up our region, challenging any monolithic or colonial perspectives on ‘Southeast Asia’.

PLEASE NOTE: Flashing lights and other intense lighting will be used during the film screening. It will not be safe for those with epilepsy and other conditions with sensitivity to light.