Viewpoint from a filmmaker - Kelvin Sng

We continue with a series of responses from local filmmakers on the current regulation and/or censorship system in Singapore. This is an ongoing project initiated by a group of students from LASALLE. Discussions and exchange of views are encouraged between members of the public and arts practitioners on the regulatory issue of films in Singapore. View our previous interviews here.

We find out what local filmmaker, Kelvin Sng has to say:

1. During the process of making a film, have you ever felt restricted by any regulatory boundaries set by MDA? If yes, in what ways?
Not really. I usually just go ahead and not let these regulations restrict my creativity.

2. If for artistic purposes, would you make a film which you know might attract censors or cuts but still continue to do it anyway? Why?
Yes I will still do it, reason being if we can't even be honest with the film we are making, how can we expect the audience to be moved by it?

3. In the Arts Community Position Paper, it is suggested that regulation should be implemented in place of censorship, as the former involves objective classification that is not politically-motivated. What is your view?
Totally for it. It is time for us to grow up and stop being treated like Singapore is made up of 16-year-olds and below!

4. Two of MDA’s guiding principles behind its regulatory work are to uphold community values and to safeguard national and public interest. What is your view?

What's new? Been hearing things like "national and public interest" from government-connected bodies for the longest time.

5. Have you participated in any discussion programmes or feedback consultations with regards to content regulation initiated by MDA? Would you participate in future? Why?

Not yet. I will in future. For the love of our industry and the passion for filmmaking.

6. What do you have to say about the censoring/banning of content in films screened in local theatres which are still obtainable on the Internet?

Perfect example of the power of internet, which is something hard to control. Never underestimate the world wide web as a powerful distribution channel, whether you ban a film or not, you can somehow still search or even able to 'buy' it by downloading via the internet.

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