Singaporean film – by Joshua Lim : The Olive Depression

He’s actually one of the persons I admire the most. He’s really smart, and did really well by Singaporean KPIs – you know, the straight As in A level sort. The selected for OCS sort. But he turned his back on OCS. He turned his back on a secure, money-making career, and chose to do film – making instead. He’s now doing a Masters in Theology in Film. And he’s made quite a few films. Even in the making of films, he has steadfastly refused to compromise his values, choosing to make meaningful, value-provoking films, instead of the money – generating action or chick flicks.

The Olive Depression, his first film, opened to huge acclaim at its US release last December. It is due to be released in Singapore this week – not at mainstream cinemas, but at  Singapore local arthouse theatre Sinema .  (
http://www.sinema.sg/2006/10/24/trailer-the-olive-depression/
).

 

Here are the details of the Premiere, but you can continue to catch it during its run:

Date:	Friday, February 13, 2009
Time:	8:00pm – 10:00pm
Location:	Sinema Old School
Street:	11b Mount Sophia, B1-12 Singapore 228466

 

Phone:	63369707
Email:	theolivedepression@yahoo.com.sg

 

 

Called The Olive Depression (
http://www.theolivedepression.com/
 ) (
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1199506/
)  (

) , it documents the weeks before Johnny, an 18 yr old boy, enters NS. He is determined not to mentally accept what is required of him by law. He opts to prepare himself by maintaining his melancholy about something against what it means to be human. However, seeing the depression of his best friend who enters the army before him, and the worry of his parents lead him to question his principles. As he strives not to succumb to the government’s world view, he finds it increasingly difficult to be contented and sad at the same time.

The  trailer begins with the lead saying “Once you’ve learnt to accept conscription, you’ll learn to accept any injustice in this country” And ends with “But if you want to accept the benefits of the system, you have to accept the flaws” and “Ok, no country is perfect, but I reserve the right to feel bad about the imperfections of my country”

This haunting film, by Joshua Lim, is filled with deep thoughts and statements about our society, and beautiful cinematic shots of our country.  Not the slapstick, or moralistic fare, or soap operatic fare.

 

If you’re interested to do a press/blog review, do join me at this event, for free. Just contact the organizers at theolivedepression@yahoo.com.sg

 

 

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