03-Flats
︎︎︎Trailer︎SYNOPSIS
Housing, heartland, home. Amidst the backdrop of Singapore’s celebrated and politicized public housing intended for families, 03-Flats follows the domestic existence of three single women who are striving for independence at different stages of their lives. It juxtaposes the nationalistic ambitions of a state-driven housing program against the occupants’ struggles to preserve personal routines, traditions and aspirations. 03-Flats embodies prosaic domesticity wherein existence becomes spontaneous and life ironically escapes formulation. 03-FLATS is a key filmic output of a research initiative led by Dr Lilian Chee (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore). Chee conceptualised the project and made the film in collaboration with award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Lei Yuan Bin (13 Little Pictures) to probe how domesticity—a critical component wherein home is produced—may be viscerally represented and experientially encountered.
Sim Boon Ngoh
Amy Tashiana
Tang Ling Nah
Directed, Photographed, Editing, and Sound by
Lei Yuan Bin
Original Concept
Dr Lillian Chee
Executive Producer
Dr Lillian Chee
Produced by
Lei Yuan Bin,
Tan Bee Thiam
Principal Investigator for Research Project
Dr Lilian Chee
Colourist
Chaitawat Trisarnsri
Sound Designer
Akritchalerm Kalayanamitr
Title Design
Oh Wen Xin
Research Assistants
Serene Ng Xiao Qian,
Felicia Lin
Yanle,
Phoaw Yen Shan,
Kenneth Koh Qibao,
Lee Ling Wei,
Jan Lim Hui Min,
Lin Derong
Special Thanks
Sim Boon Ngoh,
Amy Tashiana,
Tang Ling Nah,
Peter Sim & Joan Sim,
The families & friends of Tang Ling Nah & Amy Tashiana,
Ailian Chee,
Jessica Yeo,
Tan Hui Cheng,
Fu Yu Ming,
Wong Yunn Chii,
Wong Chong Thai Bobby,
Ahmad Mashadi, Willie Koh,
Heng Chye Kiang,
Lee Chatametikool
Archival Footage provided by
Ministry of Culture, Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Original title
03-Flats - Housing, Heartland, Home, Three Women and Singapore’s Public Housing
International Title
03-Flats
Duration
90 min / Colour
Aspect Ratio
1:1.85
Screening Format
2K DCP
Sound
Stereo
Year of Release
2014
Language
English, Mandarin, Malay
Subtitles
English
Country of production
Singapore
Production Company
National University of Singapore,
13 Little Pictures
Supported by
Department of Architecture (School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore), Media Development Authority Singapore, Ministry of Education Singapore, FARM
In Association with
White Light
PRESS
“Without intrusiveness, 03-FLATS observes lives of individuals in their intimacy. By way of subtle contrasts – propaganda v.s. reality, the occupied/space v.s. the unoccupied/being – the film triggers a strong sense of loneliness which inevitably leads to the questioning of urbanization. The film does not only show the negative side of urbanization, but also the individuals’ attempt to adapt themselves into urbanisation.”
-Jury of the 5th Salaya International Documentary Film Festival 2015: Chinlin Hsieh, Waraluck Hiransrettawat, Apinan Thammasena
“The film has made an important contribution with its enlightened academic framework to the discourse and understanding of domesticity for the majority living in Singapore’s public housing.” – Professor of Architecture William Lim
“… the film seems to be about singlehood, ageing, public housing and the female experience. But slowly, mesmerisingly, a more complex and interesting picture emerges.”
– Straits Times LIFE!
“The film has made an important contribution with its enlightened academic framework to the discourse and understanding of domesticity for the majority living in Singapore’s public housing.” – Professor of Architecture William Lim
“… the film seems to be about singlehood, ageing, public housing and the female experience. But slowly, mesmerisingly, a more complex and interesting picture emerges.”
– Straits Times LIFE!
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
In 03-FLATS, I used an observational approach to create an experience of being with three women inside their flats. Filmed over 9 months, the footage was then compressed into a sequence that encapsulates the essence of their everyday life. At the same time, I wanted to expand the small moments we experience with them. Using long takes and a static camera that is removed yet intimate, the film allows us to experience different kinds of time with them. Having shot this film completely alone, I adopted a very personal filmmaking approach, one that is built upon the friendship and trust that exist between the three women and me.
FESTIVALS
BEST ASEAN DOCUMENTARY PRIZE
Salaya International Film Festival 2015
IN COMPETITION
Busan International Film Festival 2014Venice Biennale Architettura 2016
Seoul International Architecture Film Festival 2014
Singapore International Film Festival 2014
Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London
Cinémathèque Française
