03-Flats

︎︎︎Trailer 

︎SYNOPSIS
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.

︎CAST

Sim Boon Ngoh
Amy Tashiana
Tang Ling Nah


︎CREW

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

︎TECHNICAL INFORMATION

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!


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 2014
Venice Biennale Architettura 2016

Seoul International Architecture Film Festival 2014
Singapore International Film Festival 2014
Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London
Cinémathèque Française




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We produce and promote films that celebrate cinema with all its diversities.

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