Hope Hope Short Films

The Sun is burning out. Earth will no longer be able to sustain life. Every country is sending out their own expedition team into space in search of new planets to Colonise. Onboard The Vanda, representing Singapore, Admiral Nilo is awakened prematurely by the Artificial Intelligence navigation system, NKHD.4 (Nakhuda) when the ship is damaged from an oncoming meteor shower. Tough decisions must be made to get out of the predicament. This story is inspired by the founding of Singapura by Sang Nila Utama.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: As a filmmaker, I’ve always had a keen interest in genre-storytelling, how narrative elements and visual aesthetics can help categorise films. Since young, I’ve always been interested in folklores and fables, myths and legends. And also, cartoons, anime and animation is an integral part of my childhood, even until now. So what happens when I combine all 3? You get Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas. To retell the founding of Singapura by Sang Nila Utama as a space opera is an idea that has been brewing in me for years already, ever since I saw the short animation Magnetic Rose directed by Koji Morimoto and written by one of my favourite director, Satoshi Kon. Magnetic Rose is part of Memories, a 1995 Japanese animated science fiction anthology. When Love Death + Robots came out on Netflix in 2019, I was overwhelmed. The idea to expand my idea into an anthology series started to grow in me. Hence, I started researching into other tales native to Singapore and this region, and how they can be reimagined into starkly contrasting different genres. That is the genesis of Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas, which currently comprises of 4 stories, 3 inspired by local folklore and 1 original story inspired by our national mascot, the Merlion, that does take on a rather fantasy, folklorish image. I am very thankful for the amazing team that have come together to make this project possible. We all hope this humble series will mark the beginning of something bigger, more ambitious, more fantastical, in time to come.

As the Sun gets hotter, melting of ice caps has left the most land on Earth submerged in water. However, Humans were able to find a way to live in floating sky islands through harnessing Solar Energy. Sisters, Lina and Mina live with their Uncle following the death of their parents. While out picking flowers for their Mother’s anniversary, Lina catches the eye of Pirate Captain, Boss and was abducted by his henchman. Dusty. Will Mina succeed in rescuing her sister? This story is inspired by the tale of Sisters’ Island.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: As a filmmaker, I’ve always had a keen interest in genre-storytelling, how narrative elements and visual aesthetics can help categorise films. Since young, I’ve always been interested in folklores and fables, myths and legends. And also, cartoons, anime and animation is an integral part of my childhood, even until now. So what happens when I combine all 3? You get Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas. To retell the founding of Singapura by Sang Nila Utama as a space opera is an idea that has been brewing in me for years already, ever since I saw the short animation Magnetic Rose directed by Koji Morimoto and written by one of my favourite director, Satoshi Kon. Magnetic Rose is part of Memories, a 1995 Japanese animated science fiction anthology. When Love Death + Robots came out on Netflix in 2019, I was overwhelmed. The idea to expand my idea into an anthology series started to grow in me. Hence, I started researching into other tales native to Singapore and this region, and how they can be reimagined into starkly contrasting different genres. That is the genesis of Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas, which currently comprises of 4 stories, 3 inspired by local folklore and 1 original story inspired by our national mascot, the Merlion, that does take on a rather fantasy, folklorish image. I am very thankful for the amazing team that have come together to make this project possible. We all hope this humble series will mark the beginning of something bigger, more ambitious, more fantastical, in time to come.

Humans have long left Earth and now living in different planets scattered in different galaxies due to the ultimate explosion of the Sun. Descendants of Singaporeans decides to return to Earth one last time to retrieve the original statues of the Merlion before the Solar System we once called home is gone for good. This story is an original inspired by our National Mascot, the Merlion.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: As a filmmaker, I’ve always had a keen interest in genre-storytelling, how narrative elements and visual aesthetics can help categorise films. Since young, I’ve always been interested in folklores and fables, myths and legends. And also, cartoons, anime and animation is an integral part of my childhood, even until now. So what happens when I combine all 3? You get Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas. To retell the founding of Singapura by Sang Nila Utama as a space opera is an idea that has been brewing in me for years already, ever since I saw the short animation Magnetic Rose directed by Koji Morimoto and written by one of my favourite director, Satoshi Kon. Magnetic Rose is part of Memories, a 1995 Japanese animated science fiction anthology. When Love Death + Robots came out on Netflix in 2019, I was overwhelmed. The idea to expand my idea into an anthology series started to grow in me. Hence, I started researching into other tales native to Singapore and this region, and how they can be reimagined into starkly contrasting different genres. That is the genesis of Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas, which currently comprises of 4 stories, 3 inspired by local folklore and 1 original story inspired by our national mascot, the Merlion, that does take on a rather fantasy, folklorish image. I am very thankful for the amazing team that have come together to make this project possible. We all hope this humble series will mark the beginning of something bigger, more ambitious, more fantastical, in time to come.

Having found a new planet to move to, Singaporeans are being “packed” for the long journey across space. However, their conscious continue to “live” in a virtual world along side Artificial Intelligence. When a new virus called the Swordfish attacks, service A.I. N4D1M (Nadim) comes to the rescue, but at what price? This story is inspired by the tale of how Bukit Merah and Tanjong Pagar got its name.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: As a filmmaker, I’ve always had a keen interest in genre-storytelling, how narrative elements and visual aesthetics can help categorise films. Since young, I’ve always been interested in folklores and fables, myths and legends. And also, cartoons, anime and animation is an integral part of my childhood, even until now. So what happens when I combine all 3? You get Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas. To retell the founding of Singapura by Sang Nila Utama as a space opera is an idea that has been brewing in me for years already, ever since I saw the short animation Magnetic Rose directed by Koji Morimoto and written by one of my favourite director, Satoshi Kon. Magnetic Rose is part of Memories, a 1995 Japanese animated science fiction anthology. When Love Death + Robots came out on Netflix in 2019, I was overwhelmed. The idea to expand my idea into an anthology series started to grow in me. Hence, I started researching into other tales native to Singapore and this region, and how they can be reimagined into starkly contrasting different genres. That is the genesis of Fantastic Fables of the Southern Seas, which currently comprises of 4 stories, 3 inspired by local folklore and 1 original story inspired by our national mascot, the Merlion, that does take on a rather fantasy, folklorish image. I am very thankful for the amazing team that have come together to make this project possible. We all hope this humble series will mark the beginning of something bigger, more ambitious, more fantastical, in time to come.

Huda, a rebellious young girl is brought to live with her new foster parents, a young couple, Maria and Hussin. Whilst Maria and Hussin are excited at the prospect of raising her, Huda reacts coldly to their advances and secretly plans to run away.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: A Place to Call Home tries to seek out and quietly reconsider - What makes a family? The obvious implication here is with regards to ‘chosen families’ such as the foster family presented in the series but to consider a family with softer relationship dynamics by disentangling the dramatic tropes that come with a family drama.The series depicts a family that resolves its difficulties and problems through respectful healthy dialogue, understanding and openness. This is something I think not a lot of fiction portrays because - drama and conflict is something you reflexively attempt to heighten to extremes in storytelling but also because it’s not something too familiar or relatable to most people, as I personally think, most families do not work through their conflicts in healthy ways.The series, however, is not trying to present a family that is shy or lacking in its pains and conflicts but to ensure that it shows a family that continues to function with love by embracing their issues with generosity and respectfulness. Not by resorting to tactics that would compromise those values. They have differences but they are quick to address and nip them in the bud, work on their pain points, compromise for one another and themselves when able and without ever allowing their differences to result in dysfunction.Honestly, all of this sounds like an idealistic dream. But that’s also kind of what filmmakers just… do. We present, evoke and conjure such dreams into reality by simply presenting it as a plausible truth. And my dream is simple - to create homes in harmony. Not just for me. But for everyone else too.

Huda begins to acclimatise with her new foster parents but Maria feels envious that Huda seems to enjoy spending time with Hussin more than her and is eager to bond with her too. Maria thus plans for a surprise adventure for just the two of them.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: A Place to Call Home tries to seek out and quietly reconsider - What makes a family? The obvious implication here is with regards to ‘chosen families’ such as the foster family presented in the series but to consider a family with softer relationship dynamics by disentangling the dramatic tropes that come with a family drama.The series depicts a family that resolves its difficulties and problems through respectful healthy dialogue, understanding and openness. This is something I think not a lot of fiction portrays because - drama and conflict is something you reflexively attempt to heighten to extremes in storytelling but also because it’s not something too familiar or relatable to most people, as I personally think, most families do not work through their conflicts in healthy ways.The series, however, is not trying to present a family that is shy or lacking in its pains and conflicts but to ensure that it shows a family that continues to function with love by embracing their issues with generosity and respectfulness. Not by resorting to tactics that would compromise those values. They have differences but they are quick to address and nip them in the bud, work on their pain points, compromise for one another and themselves when able and without ever allowing their differences to result in dysfunction.Honestly, all of this sounds like an idealistic dream. But that’s also kind of what filmmakers just… do. We present, evoke and conjure such dreams into reality by simply presenting it as a plausible truth. And my dream is simple - to create homes in harmony. Not just for me. But for everyone else too.

Maria and Hussin accidentally sign Huda up for a community youth club after an unfortunate mix up as Hussin also discovers that he has to take responsibility and is forced to give up his own personal time.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: A Place to Call Home tries to seek out and quietly reconsider - What makes a family? The obvious implication here is with regards to ‘chosen families’ such as the foster family presented in the series but to consider a family with softer relationship dynamics by disentangling the dramatic tropes that come with a family drama.The series depicts a family that resolves its difficulties and problems through respectful healthy dialogue, understanding and openness. This is something I think not a lot of fiction portrays because - drama and conflict is something you reflexively attempt to heighten to extremes in storytelling but also because it’s not something too familiar or relatable to most people, as I personally think, most families do not work through their conflicts in healthy ways.The series, however, is not trying to present a family that is shy or lacking in its pains and conflicts but to ensure that it shows a family that continues to function with love by embracing their issues with generosity and respectfulness. Not by resorting to tactics that would compromise those values. They have differences but they are quick to address and nip them in the bud, work on their pain points, compromise for one another and themselves when able and without ever allowing their differences to result in dysfunction.Honestly, all of this sounds like an idealistic dream. But that’s also kind of what filmmakers just… do. We present, evoke and conjure such dreams into reality by simply presenting it as a plausible truth. And my dream is simple - to create homes in harmony. Not just for me. But for everyone else too.

Just as the foster care officer returns to check up on the family, Maria falls sick and an anxious Huda worries about her own future with the family.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: A Place to Call Home tries to seek out and quietly reconsider - What makes a family? The obvious implication here is with regards to ‘chosen families’ such as the foster family presented in the series but to consider a family with softer relationship dynamics by disentangling the dramatic tropes that come with a family drama.The series depicts a family that resolves its difficulties and problems through respectful healthy dialogue, understanding and openness. This is something I think not a lot of fiction portrays because - drama and conflict is something you reflexively attempt to heighten to extremes in storytelling but also because it’s not something too familiar or relatable to most people, as I personally think, most families do not work through their conflicts in healthy ways.The series, however, is not trying to present a family that is shy or lacking in its pains and conflicts but to ensure that it shows a family that continues to function with love by embracing their issues with generosity and respectfulness. Not by resorting to tactics that would compromise those values. They have differences but they are quick to address and nip them in the bud, work on their pain points, compromise for one another and themselves when able and without ever allowing their differences to result in dysfunction.Honestly, all of this sounds like an idealistic dream. But that’s also kind of what filmmakers just… do. We present, evoke and conjure such dreams into reality by simply presenting it as a plausible truth. And my dream is simple - to create homes in harmony. Not just for me. But for everyone else too.

Huda having run away, wanders the streets alone at night, as Maria and Hussin trying to find her on their own and risk losing her forever.A Viddsee Original ProductionDirector Statement: A Place to Call Home tries to seek out and quietly reconsider - What makes a family? The obvious implication here is with regards to ‘chosen families’ such as the foster family presented in the series but to consider a family with softer relationship dynamics by disentangling the dramatic tropes that come with a family drama.The series depicts a family that resolves its difficulties and problems through respectful healthy dialogue, understanding and openness. This is something I think not a lot of fiction portrays because - drama and conflict is something you reflexively attempt to heighten to extremes in storytelling but also because it’s not something too familiar or relatable to most people, as I personally think, most families do not work through their conflicts in healthy ways.The series, however, is not trying to present a family that is shy or lacking in its pains and conflicts but to ensure that it shows a family that continues to function with love by embracing their issues with generosity and respectfulness. Not by resorting to tactics that would compromise those values. They have differences but they are quick to address and nip them in the bud, work on their pain points, compromise for one another and themselves when able and without ever allowing their differences to result in dysfunction.Honestly, all of this sounds like an idealistic dream. But that’s also kind of what filmmakers just… do. We present, evoke and conjure such dreams into reality by simply presenting it as a plausible truth. And my dream is simple - to create homes in harmony. Not just for me. But for everyone else too.

Unorthodox nurse, Benson Tan, has his unique ways of dealing with tasks at the hospital. But not all patients are convinced that he can do his job. Uncle Raja sees Benson’s hooligan-like behaviour and refused to let him inject his wife. Benson will have to learn how to display patience like never before - perhaps from his Grandma – to prove Uncle Raja wrong.A Viddsee Original ProductionThis series was made for StoriesTogether, an initiative that aims to bring hope through films during challenging times and beyond.As part of this initiative, we’re driving donations to Community Chest, which supports more than 80 social service agencies that work towards empowering the lives of the disadvantaged. Support here.

Benson’s ex-girlfriend, Lily, is recuperating at the hospital when her arch-rival hunts her down at the hospital. To make matters worse, the police are here to investigate her misdemeanors. Lily pleads with Benson to help her out of the difficulties. Will Benson help her escape?A Viddsee Original ProductionThis series was made for StoriesTogether, an initiative that aims to bring hope through films during challenging times and beyond.As part of this initiative, we’re driving donations to Community Chest, which supports more than 80 social service agencies that work towards empowering the lives of the disadvantaged. Support here.

Benson is trapped in a malfunctioning lift ... with a pregnant lady...who is just about to give birth! Benson has to figure out how to appease her prejudices towards him, while helping her through her labour. Uncle Raja continues to be unconvinced that Benson can help his wife, Preema. What must Benson do to gain his trust?A Viddsee Original ProductionThis series was made for StoriesTogether, an initiative that aims to bring hope through films during challenging times and beyond.As part of this initiative, we’re driving donations to Community Chest, which supports more than 80 social service agencies that work towards empowering the lives of the disadvantaged. Support here.