Changi collaborates with local filmmakers to launch three independent short films set at Changi Airport

First of the short films will premiere at the 2021 Singapore International Film Festival

SINGAPORE, 3 December 2021 – Changi Airport Group today announced the launch of ‘Where Dreams Take Flight: Singaporean Short Stories’, a compendium of three short films in a collaboration featuring local filmmakers and talents.

In a time marked by safe distancing, self-isolation and physical barriers, the project aims to capture untold stories of human connections at Changi Airport, while exploring themes such as family relationships, social interactions, and personal aspirations. The first of the films to be launched, ‘Auntie Oh Lives In Your Memories’, has been officially selected in the Singapore Panorama segment at the Singapore International Film Festival and will debut on 4 December 2021.

Set in a time when flights are curtailed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the film brings viewers on a whimsical journey as the protagonist, Auntie Oh who works at Changi Airport’s baggage claim division, discovers the lives behind the abandoned luggage of passengers. From an unexpected friendship in France to finding love in Hong Kong, she rediscovers the joy of social interaction and the beauty of life.

Working with local filmmakers to craft Singaporean short stories

From L-R: Huang Junxiang, Li Kayue, Zon Chan, Kathleen Bu, Eysham Ali, Li Lin Wee

The films were produced by up-and-coming local filmmakers Eysham Ali, Kathleen Bu, Li Kayue and Zon Chan, who were invited to participate in the project based on their experience in filmmaking, style of execution and ability to create stories that resonate. Showcasing the individuality and creativity of the local filmmakers, each of the three short films presents a unique look at the interactions that take place in a familiar setting to many Singaporeans and travellers. Through the shared experience of travelling through Changi Airport, the films hope to inspire both Singaporeans and international travellers to travel, reigniting the desire to fly again.

The quartet are mentored by Li Lin Wee and Huang Junxiang, award-winning local filmmakers whose experience working on previous projects with CAG such as the ‘SG50 I’m Home’ video, provided valuable insight and perspectives to the budding filmmakers.

“As a key air hub and Singapore’s gateway to the world, Changi Airport remains focused on its vision of connecting lives and strives to deliver the best Changi experience for every passenger. Whether parting from or reuniting with loved ones, taking off and landing at Changi is a collective memory and shared experience for many Singaporeans. Through this film collaboration project, we saw the opportunity to reconnect with our audience in a time when travel is curtailed and at the same time, raise the profile of the local filmmaking industry. We hope everyone will enjoy the stories while looking forward to the day we can travel freely again,” said Mr Kelvin Ng, Vice President of Changi Airport Group’s Corporate and Marketing Communications.

“Working with Changi is always a positive experience and the project gave us the opportunity to capture the airport in a unique moment of time. Personally, it is energising and inspiring to work with young filmmakers, to hear their story ideas and help them through the process of bringing the films to fruition,” said Li Lin Wee.

“I was excited to jump onboard the project because Changi Airport is so iconic and representative of so many aspects of what makes Singapore, Singapore. As a site of connectivity, I found it poignant that the airport was trying to connect young filmmakers to the rest of the world during COVID-19 – that spirit really captures what makes Changi Airport such a special place,” added Huang Junxiang.

Catch the exclusive release of short film ‘Auntie Oh Lives In Your Memories’ which will be made available on Changi Airport’s website and Facebook page on 6 December 2021. The two other short films, ‘Last Call’ and ‘VuJa De’, will be released in 2022. More details on the films will be released at https://bit.ly/DreamsTakeFlightMR.

Refer to Annex A for more details on the short films and director profiles, and Annex B for more details on the mentor profiles.

Photos can be downloaded from https://bit.ly/ChangiFilmmakers.