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One way of looking at history is to perceive it as a multitude of narratives. While the way it is sometimes taught, for example, in school, suggests it is a linear narrative based on cause and effect, a more detailed look confirms the over-simplified notion of this approach or understanding. Especially when it comes to a culture that has been dealing with oppression, persecution and in general an authoritarian regime, it is not only recommended but necessary to reject any simplified approaches. At least, this is probably what any viewer will take away from Singaporean director Daniel Hui's latest work “Small Hours of the Night”, which, even though it centers around two performers, weaves a complex web of stories and timelines presenting a view on his home country's past, especially its handling of dissent and resistance.

Small Hours of the Night is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam

The story,...

Jokes about Singapore being a fine city – meaning that many seemingly small transgressions are punishable with monetary penalties – or the trope about Singapore’s now repealed law against chewing gum would not be lost on filmmaker, writer and film editor Daniel Hui.

He says that his new film “Small Hours of the Night,” which premieres in the Harbour section of the International Film Festival Rotterdam on Saturday, deals with small incidents, small gestures and small emotions. The little things that shape history.

And with just a telephone, an ashtray, a tape recorder, a rough corner of the wall in the film’s opening scenes, the treatment of Hui’s subject matter may be minimalist, but it is also quietly brutal.

“Hui’s film represents a rare political work from Singapore, one that tackles the city state’s iron-fisted policy towards dissent head on. The main character, who is an amalgam...

Live action films with female leads emerged as the top favourites at the 6th National Youth Film Awards (Nyfa) ceremony. Organised by *Scape, the annual awards took place over Facebook live on Saturday and announced a total of 26 winners.

“Sunday” depicts a young woman with a full body rash, driven to violence during a forbidden encounter with her sister’s boyfriend. Directed by returning Nyfa participant Kris Ong and produced by Tan Si En, who has worked with industry veterans such as Anthony Chen and Kirsten Tan, the film was conferred Best Screenplay and Best Live Action in the Open Youth Category. Best Cinematography went to Lincoln Yeo, who is a returning Nyfa participant and now second-time winner.32-year-old actress Vicki Yang, who played the lead role in “Sunday”, walked away with the Best Actress award.

“Lady E’s Wedding Revenge Plan” written, produced, and directed by Ngee Ann Polytechnic students was awarded Best Editing,...