We delve into this homegrown talent's views on the local art scene, the National Gallery Singapore and finding Singapore's Van Gogh
Since representing Singapore at the Oscars with his sterling masterpiece, Sayang Disayang, Sanif Olek has been hailed as a pride and joy of the local film scene. We speak to the acclaimed director about Singapore’s art scene, the new National Gallery Singapore, and his fave island haunts. Action!
Compared to 50 years ago…
I am seeing a greater breathing space at the moment for the artist to both exhibit and express his/her respective art. Of course, the support of the local community is essential for local arts to grow in Singapore.
Having a world-class institution like the National Gallery Singapore gives…
Singaporeans a platform to showcase world-class artworks. It’s not just about putting Singapore on the world arts map, but also providing a platform for the child growing up in the inner heartlands to be Singapore’s answer to Rembrandt, Van Gogh or Dali. The National Museum and Rex Cinema are other good places to see art and film in Singapore.
I see filmmaking as…
A cathartic exercise to return to my filmmaking roots and approaching the visual narrative cinematically. I find inspiration from my childhood, the neighbours I meet everyday, and random stories of Singaporeans I hear about.
I have touched on…
Religion, inter-personal relationships and even a musical. My work on mainstream, commercial television production has also allowed me to have a grasp on commercial and artistic aspects of storytelling, without alienating my audience.
Sayang Disayang is about…
A housekeeper who searches for the elusive ingredient to cook the best sambal goreng, a traditional Malay spicy vegetable dish. It also looks at caregivers and the elderly they look after, while the latters’ respective adult children are out at work or totally absent in the household. This phenomenon challenges the concept of filial piety that is cherished in many Asian communities.
My latest work, Bila Larut Malam (In The Still Of The Night)…
Is a short film commissioned by the National Gallery Singapore that premiered during the museum’s grand opening. It has a rather formalistic, linear approach. The camera and lighting adopt a stylised mise-en-scène. This film is about three women who find strength in their loss, and features classic Malay songs “Nak Dara Rindu” by P Ramlee and “Semoga Bahagia” by Zubir Said.
My top five attractions in Singapore are…
1) Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – I believe this reserve is the oldest primarily rainforest in the city. 2) Little India – if you want to be transported into a different time capsule and culture. 3) Bukit Chandu War Memorial – this was the first Malay Regiment’s last stand against the Japanese invasion during WWII. 4) Bukit Brown Cemetary – lots of Singapore’s pioneers are buried here. And 5) Changi Point – because my National Service barracks are still there and it’s close to Pulau Ubin.
I always eat and drink at…
Simpang Bedok – which has lots of good restaurants and stalls serving Malay and Halal food.
This article was published in Singapore Insider, a series of quarterly print guides produced in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board. Pick up a free copy at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the digital version.