Speech by Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence Chan Chun Sing at ciNE65 Awards Ceremony

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,Thank you all for being here this evening for the ciNE65 Short Film Competition Awards Ceremony. It's a celebration of the creative works by our local film talents. Gathered here amongst us today are distinguished members of the short film community, award nominees, as well as their family and friends, whom I have no doubt provided much support to the nominees in their film-making journey.

It is heartening to know that there has been a swell of participants who came forward this season to tell their Singapore story. I was told that we had 166 entries this season and this is more than twice that submitted for the last season in 2011. I am sure going forward, we will see even more participation amongst the aspiring film producers. The act of stepping forward to be part of this effort is something worth celebrating because it shows that you care, and want to contribute. This brings to mind the recent haze episode, during which there were many examples of Singaporeans who came forward and extended their help to those in need. Whether it was passing on a mask that someone else needed more, opening their houses for air-conditioned shelter or offering words of encouragement on social media, these efforts all add up to how we can strengthen our community as one. It also shows how much we care for each other both in good times and difficult times, and these are great examples of how we unite as one people, one country, one nation. You might find that these small gestures of building a community and identity are not a big deal. Many people have said that Singapore is a manufactured society and everything about us does not seem very real. The reason is because we are such a young nation. We all came from different parts of the world and we have only a short history of 48 years. In the history of mankind and in the history of nations, we are but a baby. But it is this journey that we want to walk together that binds us together. It is not so much the destination but it is the journey that counts. Throughout the last 48 years we have seen people from all walks of life coming from different backgrounds, coming together as one, united by a common dream to seek a better living and to build a better future for our families and our children. Your collective effort today is also a testimony to this effort that we have embarked on. Together, your effort will help us build that collective memory, the sense of shared values that we all treasure, that make us truly Singaporeans.

ciNE65 Season 2It is hence apt that the theme for the second season of the ciNE65 competition is "I'll Be There For You, Singapore". It is encouraging that many film-makers from different walks of life came forward to submit their films along this theme. Many participants gave us a pleasant surprise by interpreting the theme in very heartfelt and creative ways. They produced works that were not only well-shot, but personal to them. Every story brings with it a unique slice of Singapore, and collectively, these short films form a larger fabric of the things that make this place our home, and reflect the things that we believe worth standing by and standing up for.

This is why many of the ciNE65's films relate to me personally and deeply. They revolve around the themes of family, friends, care for fellow Singaporeans, commitment to Singapore's defence and love for this place called home. Some brought back long-forgotten memories for me, some touched my heart, and some made me laugh. The quality of the films submitted was truly impressive. They reflected the deep thought and effort that participants put into making their films. More importantly, they have engaged us at all levels where it matters most and that is - our hearts.

For the film-makers, I hope that you have found the journey through ciNE65 valuable in honing your craft through the learning components, and in showcasing your works through media and online channels as well as public events organised under ciNE65. I also hope that you have all forged strong friendships with fellow film-makers who are equally passionate about their craft. That, to me, is the spirit of the competition and that's what makes ciNE65 valuable. This is also why today, regardless of the results, all of you in front of me, you are all winners. You are all winners not just for yourselves, you are all winners for Singapore.

Thank You and Encouragement

On behalf of MINDEF and Nexus, I would like to thank the partners and judges for your contribution to the competition. Some of you have been with us since the inaugural session. Your support for the competition and commitment in engaging Singaporeans, have motivated and encouraged the organisers and participants to give their best.

To all film-makers, keep experimenting, keep exploring and most importantly, have fun when you are doing it. Your works have the potential to touch the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, and even those abroad. Your work will also go down in history as part of our collective memories of how we see ourselves and how we define ourselves. Whether or not you walk away with an award today, I hope that you will continue putting your talent to good use. Someday soon, maybe, we might get to hear about you as the next "Anthony Chen" from among you, winning a prize in Cannes. It may just be possible. Let us keep this dream alive. Not just this dream of making films, but let's keep this dream alive of having a stronger and better Singapore for ourselves and for our children, for many generations to come. We will beat the type of history, that we will not be just be a short memory in the history of mankind. Together we can define a way of life for ourselves that constantly improves on the wellbeing of ourselves and our families. On that note let me once again thank all of you for your tremendous effort, and I wish you the very best.

Thank you.