Singapore University of Social Sciences

The course focuses on the wide array of Singapore films made from 2001 onwards. The course will look at key films, ranging from highly commercial films with mass appeal to independent films on shoestring budgets. Students will study how contemporary local films tackle issues such as heartland dreams, national identity, taboo subjects, nostalgia, and language use, and will trace out the trends and changes as the local film industry matures. Students will also examine crucial factors affecting local filmmaking, such as the availability of funding, the role of censorship, the importance of local filmmaking schools, and the impact of film awards. Students will be required to view representative Singapore films and critique relevant articles. The films will feature the use of English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and some Chinese dialects.