RICE’s Storytellers initiative empowers budding creators with the skills and support to share impactful narratives.
It’s safe to say that human beings have been storytellers since the beginning of time. Think myths and fables told from prehistoric times to modern-day catch-ups with friends. We love a good story, even if it’s something as mundane as pointless gossip. It always starts with a simple phrase: “Spill the tea!” And oh, do we love tea.
That said, storytelling goes beyond such casual chit-chat. For some, joy comes from weaving meaningful narratives—be it through written words or moving pictures. However, budding content creators rely on tools just like chefs depend on their trusty knives. Pricey equipment, software, and mentorship sessions are not always accessible, which is why RICE cooked up the Storytellers initiative.
With hopes of impacting the community, our inaugural batch of seven students pitched and crafted stories alongside their mentors over the past few months. In this piece, they share their big little dreams.
Filmmaking: A Sprouting Dream
Syarifuddin Azhar Bin Rosli, 26
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Growing up, Syarifuddin always loved filmmaking. His passion for the craft started in secondary school. Videos effectively convey not just a story but also a different perspective to a wider audience. Now 26, he views the Storytellers programme as his way of giving back to the community. Under the guidance of mentors Toke Hong Loong and Larissa Ong, his team shared a story he’s always wanted to tell about his friend Elmira, who walks a successful path despite her struggles with domestic abuse and growing up in foster care. He believes this narrative is essential and serves as a tribute to Elmira’s resilience.
Inspired by Zero-to-Hero Stories
Sree Devi Rajavelu, 21
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Unlike Syarifuddin, Sree Devi had almost zero experience with video production. However, she seized the Storytellers initiative as a chance to highlight underprivileged communities and the everyday obstacles they face. She dreams of creating videos that inspire empathy towards the struggles of the voiceless and unseen.
Intimidated, but Not Shaken
Elvis Leong Wei Kiat, 25
Singapore Management University
Video production can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Despite his doubts, 25-year-old Elvis hopes to widen his horizons through content creation, having never thought he’d successfully learn the ropes before joining the Storytellers initiative.
Growing with the Currents
Shivani Mariappan, 19
Singapore University of Technology and Design
With extra time during school holidays, 19-year-old Shivani wanted to engage in something productive. Although video production didn’t relate to her Computer Science degree, she saw the Storytellers initiative as a chance to gain new skills and share stories from the foster care system, which resonated with her during her team’s shoot.
Welcome, Discomfort
Chua Xin Ni, 22
Singapore Management University
Coming from the School of Accountancy, 22-year-old Xin Ni found video production unfamiliar. She joined the Storytellers initiative to step out of her comfort zone, eager to learn how to create a film from start to finish while forging meaningful friendships.
Heightened Empathy & Appreciation
Janel Soh Xue Lin, 23
Singapore Management University
For Janel, storytelling fosters sensitivity and appreciation. Through this craft, she gains insights into others’ lives, enriching her understanding of the world and allowing her to convey meaningful narratives.
Game On
Vienna Chong Ke En, 23
Singapore Management University
Inspired by tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, Vienna sees parallels between videos and games in storytelling. Through the Storytellers initiative, she transitioned from viewer to producer, eager to learn how to craft impactful messages.
In a world where young voices often go unheard, storytelling serves as a vital tool to shape our understanding of society. By providing more opportunities for aspiring creators, we might just cultivate the change our community needs.
