Filmmaker Boo Junfeng shares the challenges he faced as director of NDP 2021 (Singapore’s National Day Parade) during a pandemic, yet ultimately how he created a celebration that resonated at home, on screens, inspiring all of Singapore. Drawn to film in secondary school, mesmerized by the make-believe of Oscar films, he was encouraged by his parents to take a “well-trodden path”. Junfeng though, “not a motivated student”, did not do well academically, until he found his way to Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where “it was the first time I ever topped my class”. He celebrates the availability of more pathways to express creativity now, and explores how his passion for filmmaking lies in his interest to understand people, their psyche, and the human condition – all evident in his debut film, “Sandcastle” and follow-up “Apprentice”. Wanting to humanize topics and stories, wondering if people will find value in his work, explaining why Singapore filmmakers find “a cocoon in the art house circuit”, and why Passing the Power on PinkDot and LGBTQ is important to him: “For many people, it’s just an issue. For me, it’s an identity. It is who I am.” As his thoughtful sharing makes us all consider our stories, the ones we tell ourselves and others, he closes with passion, purpose, and peace, “Taking the time to listen tends to be a better use of my time,” says Junfeng, aptly Passing the Power on to you.
Follow: Paige Parker, Boo Junfeng, Pink Dot SG
Watch: Sandcastle (iTunes), Sandcastle (Netflix), Apprentice (Amazon), NDP 2021
Read: Singapore International Festival of Film (SGIFF), Pink Dot SG,NP's School of Film and Media Studies
Visit: #SGFashionNow at ACM
Thank you to Deity Mics and City Music SG for providing me with the equipment I use to record! Visit their pages at:
https://www.facebook.com/deitymicsasia
https://www.facebook.com/citymusicsg
https://www.facebook.com/zoomsoundlab
