Three young directors bring personal and diverse perspectives to life, sparking vital conversations about drug abuse in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: The exploration of drug abuse and addiction in film is not new, especially in Hollywood. Movies like Requiem for a Dream and Beautiful Boy have depicted these themes vividly. But in Singapore, where anti-drug messaging begins as early as primary school, empathy for the nuances of addiction remains a challenge.
Three Singaporean filmmakers are striving to change that. Winners of this year’s National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) What’s Your Fix? Youth Film Programme, these filmmakers are using their craft to delve into the emotional and social impacts of drug abuse.
The Filmmakers and Their Stories
1. Jayden Soh: A Child’s Perspective
Jayden Soh, 30, co-founder of a corporate video agency, made his directorial debut with Lost Control. The film is told from the perspective of a young girl navigating a world where drug abuse is normalized.
Soh drew inspiration from his three nieces and his observations during a trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he saw families and children exposed to casual drug use. “The characters represent everyday people, but when you see the impact of drugs through a child’s eyes, it emphasizes the extreme consequences and how terrifying that world can be,” he shared.
2. Tong Khoon Mun: The Subtle Descent into Addiction
In Of a Different Breed, 26-year-old Tong Khoon Mun highlights the subtle and insidious nature of addiction. Inspired by conversations with former addicts, Khoon Mun delves into how individuals are drawn into a cycle of dependency to escape daily struggles.
His storytelling captures the emotional toll of addiction, portraying it as a universal vulnerability. “Talking to ex-addicts made me realize it could happen to anyone. Their stories gave me a new level of empathy,” he explained.
3. Zachary Yap: A Tribute to a Lost Friend
For 29-year-old Zachary Yap, Keep a Lookout for Me is deeply personal. The film pays tribute to his best friend, who succumbed to a drug overdose a decade ago.
Yap recounts how their friendship was strained when drugs entered the picture, culminating in a poignant moment at a McDonald’s outlet. “I wanted to explore the emptiness that leads to addiction,” he said. “Writing the film was a way to process my grief and find closure.”
Creating Empathy Through Film
These three filmmakers bring diverse viewpoints to a deeply sensitive topic. Whether it’s the innocence of a child, the quiet pull of addiction, or the grief of losing a loved one, their films spark meaningful conversations about the human cost of drug abuse.
Cinema, as they demonstrate, is a powerful platform for advocacy. By intertwining personal experiences with storytelling, they are fostering greater empathy and understanding for those affected by addiction.
As Singapore continues its fight for a drug-free society, these films offer a reminder of the emotional and societal dimensions of the issue—and the importance of keeping the conversation alive.
