Bringing Diversity to Documentary

Logo for Kartemquin's Diverse Voices In Docs programI’m honored to have been accepted into the 6-month “Diverse Voices in Docs” program organized by Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago. (see HuffPo article) Think of it as an incubator for emerging documentary filmmakers of color.

We’re now done with our very first session and I’ve been blown away by all the talent in the room. So much experience. So much wisdom. We wasted no time on day one. Tasked with introducing everyone to our works-in-progress within 5 minutes, I took the leap to turn an idea that’s been in my head for months, into reality. I’m excited about highlighting and exploring a much heavily praised aspect of Singapore with folks here in Chicago.

Adventures In Learning

The documentary I’m going to be working on throughout the course of the program and beyond will shine a spotlight on innovation in the classroom, before teens enter university. Areas of interest include classrooms that incorporate social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, or global citizenship.

Driving Force

The interest in these new curriculums and teaching methods really stem from my experience of growing up in a very “exam-driven” educational system, where school was more about learning to get the good grades than it was about learning… actually learning. I remember feeling like a fish out of water when I first stepped into the classrooms at Northwestern University. “You mean you actually wanna hear my opinion?” And also in constant awe of the number of fellow students around me who truly believed they could change the world.

Research Research Research

I’d like to follow stories both in Singapore and in Chicago. If the above resonates with you, I’d love to chat. In this initial research stage, I’m seeking people who’ve done academic studies on the education systems in Singapore and the US, and those who are directly involved in either education system, whether as a teacher, an administrator, or even as a student with an opinion to share.
 
At this point, I’m still searching for the right points to cover, characters to follow, and stories to tell. Know someone who fits the bill? Send him/her my way.
Journey With Me
Curious and wanna come along for the ride? Sign up to receive progress updates via my newsletter. :)

Unconditional love at its finest.

Issues related to LGBT have always been considered taboo as a young Singaporean growing up. As it’s not as culturally acceptable, those struggling with their sexualities often have no one to turn to for fear of being rejected or ridiculed.

“If you want to change the behavior, address the fear” – Seth Godin

We often fear what we don’t understand. And without dialogue, there can be no understanding.

That’s why when Jamie Yee, a post-op transgendered woman, took the brave step to tell her story on camera, it opened the doors to a better understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBT community. I’m so glad Jamie’s parents, though they were against it at first, agreed to share their perspective too. This beautiful video by PinkDot.sg puts a human face on an issue that really needs to be raised.

[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lI9X89flglA]

Listen. Learn. Ask. Respect. Let the discussion and debate begin!

Support the right universal human right to love and be loved. Pink Dot 2010 happens Sat, May 15, Speakers Corner, 5pm

Singapore to take the spotlight at MIPTV in Cannes

At MIPTV. Photo by ulybug

Come April 12-16 at MIPTV, one of the biggest market places for the sale and purchase of television content worldwide, Singapore will be the Country of Focus and have the honor of hosting a half-day conference to promote our local content and services.

Making the trip with the largest contingent of 14 media companies there, will be MIPTV’s Guest-of-Honor and the island-city’s Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Lui Tuck Yew.

Click here to read the full article from PR Newswire.

That’s such exciting news from home!  And congratulations to MDA for the great work in pushing our local content to the world. I’d love to see what one of these conventions is like, but the $1.3K price tag makes that impossible right now. Perhaps I’ll get my chance in future. In the meantime, though, I look forward to hearing good news from the team heading to Cannes soon! :)

Singapore and climate change.

21 youths from ECO Singapore had the chance to engage in important dialogue with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at COP15.

What is a small country’s place in the world during these times? With no natural resources, how might we find alternative energy sources? Is imposing higher carbon taxes really a viable option? What kind of impact will our eco efforts have on the economy and Singapore’s ability to remain competitive?

Learn more about Singapore’s stand on the environment and our climate change policies through their two-part video.

[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxfbnyd8NLQ]

[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5D3Z0ltGLE]

Read more about ECO Singapore’s experience at COP15 here.

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