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- Speech by Minister Of State For Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman at ciNE65 Awards Ceremony, Joyden Hall, 12 Jun 2015
Speech by Minister Of State For Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman at ciNE65 Awards Ceremony, Joyden Hall, 12 Jun 2015
12 June 2015
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Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to be here this evening at the ciNE65 Short Film Competition Awards Ceremony to celebrate the creative works of our local film talents. Gathered here today are distinguished members of the local film community, award nominees, as well as their family and friends, who have no doubt provided much support to the nominees in their film-making journey.
As the nation celebrates its 50th birthday, and also as the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorates its 50th year of formation, many film-makers came forward to tell their Singapore story. I was told that we had 230 entries this season which is the highest number since we started in 2011. 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 to telling our Singapore story. This ownership is a critical ingredient for nation-building. We are a young country and we are not perfect. However, what makes the nation strong and what will bring it forward, is not its perfection. Rather, it is that despite the imperfections, we remain united and make a commitment to journeying with one another, together, to make our home a better place. I think the films nominated this evening have gotten it right. Their films do not showcase the pretty and glitzy aspects of Singapore – not the skycrapers nor the iconic architectural wonders we have been renowned for - but rather they capture the spirit of resilience, of true grit and determination and reveal that common theme of love, without conditions, for this place we call Home.
ciNE65 SEASON 3
The theme for the third season of cine65 is "Believing ● Home". I think this is an apt theme for our 50th year of independence. Our nation began its journey with many uncertainties. It was unimaginable then that we would grow to where we are now today. What we had at that time was a simple belief that we will make it through so long as we stick together. Many participants surprised us by interpreting the theme in heartfelt and creative ways. They produced works that were not only well shot, but personal to them. Each 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 home, and reflect the things that we believe to be worth standing by, and standing up for.
The volume and variety of interpretations on the theme, "Believing • Home" shows how deeply we feel about Singapore, our home. Many of the ciNE65 films relate to me personally. I was born in 1965, exactly the year Singapore gained its independence. I lived in a kampong and spent most of my younger years in a HDB rental flat playing marbles and throwing water bombs from the top of our flat to unsuspecting friends below. I am sure some of you old enough like me would have done that. I recalled chasing after SBS busses at Toa Payoh bus terminal at 5am every morning to go to school in Bukit Timah and later took the first MRT train ride from Ang Mo Kio to Orchard Road, some time in the year 1986. Like many others, NS was a defining moment for me as I make lasting friendships and learn more about my weaknesses, strengths and what it means to persevere and overcome the odds. Indeed, while each of the films explores the subject of home from a different perspective, taken together, the films tell the story of us as one people. They celebrate the things that make us Singaporean, and how far we have come together as a nation – the values, places and memories we cherish, the common traits and lingo we all share, and our beliefs, hopes and dreams for the future. The deep level of reflection and hard work that participants have put in for every entry is evident in the superb quality of the films. I had the chance to view some of the films and each of them brought smiles and tears to me, humbling me into deeper self-reflection of how much I have benefitted, what I should cherish and what more I can and should do to ensure my children have their own chance to tell their stories 50 years from now.
For the film-makers, I hope that you have found the ciNE65 journey valuable in honing your craft through the learning components, and in showcasing your works through the 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 in their craft. That, to me is the spirit of the competition and what makes ciNE65 unique.
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 first season. Your support for the competition and commitment in engaging Singaporeans have motivated and encouraged the organisers and the participants to give their best.
To all film-makers, keep experimenting, keep exploring and most importantly, have fun while you are at it. Your works have the potential to touch the hearts and minds of Singaporeans, and even those abroad. Whether or not you walk away with an award today, you are all winners – you have won the hearts of all Singaporeans watching your film. I hope that you will continue to put your talent to good use and continue to believe in yourselves and in Singapore and inspire many more with your passion as we continue to build this place we call HOME. My heartiest congratulations to each and every one of you.
Thank you.
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