Sinema Old School officially opens today!4 min read

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Sinema Old School officially opens today, 12 December 2007. Check out the article published on The Straits Times today, or continue reading our official press release below.

Independent cinema is getting a new spin. And space.

Sinema Old School is situated atop Mount Sophia at the newest and ultra-hip creative arts community hotspot, Old School. It is the physical space of Sinema.SG, an the remarkable initiative by a photographer and graphic designer, accidental filmmakers, and self-confessed media addicts, Nicholas Chee and Randy Ang.

A salient collaboration between Old School and Originasian Pictures and with digital high-definition projection technology made possible by the partnership with Panasonic and Apple, Sinema Old School is the first and only high-definition cinema solely devoted to Singapore films. This truly indie 130-seater cinema space also hopes to be a permanent venue for local bands’ breakout gigs, technology workshops and master-classes, film forums and dialogue sessions.

And taking the active step to support local even further, Sinema Old School’s retail store heralds all things Singaporean, counting in its precious stash; DVDs and soundtrack CDs from local films, limited edition movie merchandise, literary works by Singapore writers and local indie magazine publishers and CDs by Singapore bands and musicians.

Opening for Sinema Old School on the 12 December 2007 is this year’s Cultural Medallion recipient and pioneer indie-filmmaker, Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys.

When this grand dame of this era’s Singapore films was first screened 10 years ago, Singapore had no independent cinema. Now, on its 10th year anniversary, it is only too fitting that it will be screened at Singapore’s very first. As the prolific filmmaker aptly puts it, “It is important to have a sacred place for Singapore film.”

More than just the mere provision of an area with state-of-the-art projection technology and cosy sofa seatings, the 2 indomitable individuals behind this original setup also hope that the cinema will motivate local filmmakers and propel the industry forward in the decade to come.

Another Cultural Medallion recipient, Director Jack Neo, who coincidentally starred in 12 Storeys, has this to say, “Sinema Old School is the best platform for new and emerging Singapore filmmakers to showcase their works.”

Director Royston Tan has these sentiments: “A long awaited independent venue that every Singaporean filmmaker is looking forward to.”

Even before the cinema is officially open, it has already garnered the support of the local film industry, the Singapore government, 2050 members (and counting) in the Sinema Old School Facebook group, not to mention almost 300 members who have signed up for paid memberships within the short span of a month without any major marketing and promotions. A promising sign indeed.

Long-time supporter of Sinema, Mr. Freddie Yeo, General Manager of Infinite Frameworks has this to say, “It’s brilliant to have a place of convergence for film enthusiasts to celebrate local filmmaking.”

Mr. Francis Tan of Iceberg Design adds, “Sinema holds on dear to the long neglected and perennial objective of incubating and nurturing the ‘bolts & nuts’ of our local film industry. For this alone, each and every Singaporean must do their part, however small, towards realizing this objective. Apt, that Sinema spells with an ‘S’.”

Also in the pipeline is the Sinema Incubator Programme. It is a 2-year-drive supported by Creative Community Singapore, a key initiative helmed by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, in partnership with the Private, People and Public sectors, to mentor, facilitate and co-produce a total of 46 Singaporean film projects; 4 feature films, 20 short films, 12 FMPs (forty-minute programmes) and 10 music videos.

The Sinema Incubator Programme will be announced at the Sinema Old School’s opening and the first call for entries via the Sinema.SG website will be live online on the 14 December 2007.

With Old School being home to a diverse blend of leading creative and artistic pioneers, Sinema Old School is already dreaming up new collaborative with various local media, arts and music talents. Ms. Wee Li Lin, who has recently completed her first feature film, is excited about the progress, “This could not happen at a better time… an iconic organisation in the Singapore Cultural Landscape.”

DETAILS:
Sinema Old School is located at 11 Mount Sophia Road, Block B, #B1-12, Singapore 228466. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut Station, and can also be reached by bus numbers 7, 14, 36, 143, 167.

There will be 2 screening times of Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys on the 12 December 2007 at 7pm (by invitation only) and 9pm. More screening times are available on www.sinema.sg/oldschool.

More details on future screenings and ticketing are also available here. Tickets can be bought at the box office, or through the phone (+65 6336 9707) or via email.