A year has gone by since Singaporean filmmaker Wee Li Lin's first ever feature film "Gone Shopping" made its debut in Malaysia. Returning to the directorial seat, her new film revolves around the life of a video consultant who is confused between real love and delusional obsession. Cinema Online got a hold of her to talk about her new movie, some success stories of the past and everything in between.
Q: Last time we spoke at your "Gone Shopping" Malaysian preview, you told us about the project about a female stalker. Now it's finally here – "Forever". In your opinion, what is the fine line between love and obsession? A: I think for me there is no line. When you're in love, you're obsessed. It's all consuming and the ultimate high, and that's not just for romantic love, but the love for a child, a pet or in the case of "Gone Shopping" for a space - shopping malls. What I want "Forever" to question is - are we Singaporeans just too inert and passive? If we could all be as determined and outspoken as our protagonist Joey, would a place like W.E.D (Wedding Education Department - a place designed to promote marriages in Singapore) where Joey works, even need to exist? Q: What was it like working with rising Taiwanese star, Mo Tzu Yi? A: Xiao Mo is easy on the eyes, easy to direct and easy to work with. He is very smart and capable but has great humility and sensitivity. Some actors need a lot of attention and make a lot of 'noise' but Xiao Mo just does his thing quietly and skilfully. He is very cool. I would love to work with him again.
Q: Being his first Singaporean film, is there any barrier between the casts? A: I think it's safe to say the entire crew and cast (male and female) were all in love with him at some point of time or another (laughs). Q: Joanna Dong is famous in theatre and this is her first film. Why Joanna as the lead? A: I had first seen Joanna in a play in Singapore and thought she was wonderful. So we called her in for an audition and it was clear that she was effortlessly talented, physically striking and more importantly, she really captured Joey and infused the character with more spark. As a theatre actress and singer, Joanna also has amazing control over her voice. It was her (spoken) voice that really charmed me in the beginning. She is also very smart and generous, and gave invaluable contributions to the script and even loaned us props and photos. I think she was really meant to play Joey.
Q: Sarah Ng is a newcomer in the film industry. How is she as an actress? Is there any reason for you to use new faces in your films? A: Sarah was cast on the very last day of casting and was literally the last person we auditioned! We had a few very good options for her character Cecilia, but when we met Sarah we knew she had been all we were hoping for. Sarah's a first timer but you couldn't tell. She's sexy, confident and she knows how to play it up for the camera. She is also a very sweet person, always warm and bubbly and sharp as well, she knows her own continuity and remember her lines diligently, which is rare (in my experience!) for a first timer. We really lucked out and she, Joanna and Xiao Mo all got along very well.
Q: Your first feature "Gone Shopping" has been screened and went to lots of international film festivals. What are your hopes for this film? A: I am very grateful for the travelling "Gone Shopping" has done and I hope for "Forever" to reach out to festivals which "Gone Shopping" has not gone to. "Forever" has many of my sensibilities as a writer and director but there is also something different and of course growth. I hope it can reach out to more audiences in Singapore and around the world.
Q: You wrote this movie from your own experience making video on romance. Tell us any interesting experience you have while doing this. A: I was in my late 20s and it was basically a video for young couples who had just gotten married to know what to expect out of marriage. It was meant to be quite instructional but I fought for it to be more fun and romantic which initially my client disagreed with. However, after she saw the first edit she was very happy. Later on during audio post, she told me about how she - in fact, didn't believe in marriage and had stalked her ex. She was such a bundle of contradictions and such a character. Q: Speaking of 'romance', your husband is the art director for this film? How does it feel working with your husband? A: Charles is very talented and very uncompromising, and sometimes it can be a challenge to work together. But overall, it was good. He was very committed and concerned for the film because it was my film but he also has very high standards and very good aesthetics and sense – being an amazing visual artist in his own right. So we really benefited from having him as our art director. It's also good that we can be on set together and by sharing experiences, it just brings us closer. We are planning to work together more in future.
Q: Lastly, what are your hopes for "Forever" when it's released in Malaysia? A: Malaysians are more supportive and open minded about Asian films and my first feature film "Gone Shopping" had a successful screening there. I feel hopeful for "Forever" and I have faith that Malaysian audiences will embrace and laugh along with our quirky little romantic comedy.
"Forever" is set to release in Singapore late 2010 and a Malaysian release is also likely but no date has been confirmed.