Cover In celebration of SG60, IMDA unveils a suite of films, dramas and exhibitions to honour the nation, sharing what it means to be Singaporean

In celebration of SG60, IMDA unveils an initiative featuring a suite of films, dramas and exhibitions to honour the nation, sharing what it means to be Singaporean

When drama series Emerald Hill — The Little Nyonya Story debuted earlier this year, it quickly gained critical acclaim, rising to the top of Netflix Singapore’s most-watched list within its first week. A spin-off of the beloved The Little Nyonya series, the latest drama celebrates the lives of Singapore’s Peranakan community in the 1950s and 1960s.

The local hit series is just one of the many projects that are part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) latest initiative to celebrate the nation’s 60th year of independence.

Themed ‘Stories made with SG, for SG and beyond’, the project aims to capture the essence of ‘Singaporean-ness’ through an exciting slate of films, dramas, exhibitions and digital content. The year-long programme will spotlight stories that define Singapore’s identity, told through the eyes of local creators and filmmakers.

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Above Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Mr Tan Kiat How announcing the line-up of SG60 media industry initiatives

At the official launch for this initiative, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How shares that the project will see creators “tell stories on what Singapore means to each one of us, and share our hopes and dreams for the Singapore we like to see for generations to come”.

He continues: “These projects showcase the richness and diversity of our media ecosystem, particularly our talents. Yet, all of them share the same passion for telling the Singapore story.”

A labour of love, anticipate a range of projects, including an anthology film Kopitiam Days. This heartfelt anthology presents six short films spanning different time periods. Telling stories of the past, present and future, the works speak on mending relationships and reconnecting while celebrating Singapore as a home to diverse narratives. Set to premiere in July, the anthology is put together by Singaporean producer and director Eric Khoo and features works from six writer-directors, including In The House of Straw’s Yeo Siew Hua and Number 1’s Ong Kuo Sin.

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Above Content creator Xixi Lim with executive producers and directors from the anthology feature film ‘Kopitiam Days’

Along with films and series, look forward to immersive exhibitions like SingaPop! and VR60. Curated by Cultural Medallion recipient Dick Lee, SingaPop! is a multi-thematic exhibition which pays tribute to 60 years of Singapore’s pop culture. From August to December at the ArtScience Museum, get to walk through an immersive space and learn more about the nation’s pop culture history and its evolution.

VR60 takes you through significant historical and cultural events in Singapore. Happening from September to December, the immersive experience is brought to life by 4D Virtual Reality. The journey takes you through five different chapters, each highlighting the nation’s independence and the journey towards present day.

Assistant chief executive of Media Industry Group, IMDA, Yvonne Tang highlights how the upcoming suite of films, dramas and content will “capture 60 years of dreams, determination and the distinctive Singaporean spirit that makes us who we are.”

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Images: IMDA

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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.