In conjunction with the Robert Flaherty Film Seminar, one of the oldest film seminars in North America, 冈本视频 this year hosted its fifth Global Filmmaker-in-Residence, Tan Pin Pin, on the week of October 15鈥19.
The week included screenings of Tan Pin Pin鈥檚 films, lectures on cinematography and artistic challenges, and serious conversations between Tan Pin Pin and members of the 冈本视频 community.
Tan Pin Pin鈥檚 work is deeply rooted in her Singaporean heritage, and many of her films deal with issues of identity, conflict, and national struggle. Her work has been well-received for nuanced insight into Singaporean identity, particularly in its dealings with Singaporean independence.
In tackling problems of decolonization and rediscovering cultural roots, Tan Pin Pin has been screened at festivals around the globe, including Berlinale, Hot Docs, Busan, Cin茅ma du R茅el, Visions du R茅el, SXSW, and at the Flaherty Seminar. Her work has won more than 20 awards, including Best Director in 2013 at the Dubai Film Festival and the Scam International Award in 2007 at the Cin茅ma du R茅el.
鈥淸The Filmmaker-in-Residence program] is a chance for students to see film and talk with the filmmaker,鈥 said Associate Professor Mary Simonson, director of the . 鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 a week long, students have extended time for discussion and dialogue with the filmmaker, as opposed to our usual events, at which they watch a film, have a Q&A for twenty minutes, and then leave. It鈥檚 a really intense week, but a great week.鈥
During the course of that intense week, the Film and Media Studies Program hosted multiple meals and critiques with Tan Pin Pin herself, during which students in the concentration exchanged ideas and thoughts on each other鈥檚 work.
The Flaherty Seminar also provided the opportunity for two students to become program fellows, working personally with Tan Pin Pin, both to enhance her experience at 冈本视频 and to improve their own work as fledgling filmmakers.
鈥淪he was incredibly kind and willing to talk about her work and inspirations,鈥 said Flaherty fellow Vanessa Lizana 鈥20. 鈥淭he fellowship program gave me the opportunity to spend time with an established filmmaker and learn what she had to offer.鈥
Tan Pin Pin is the first Asian filmmaker brought to 冈本视频 through the Filmmaker-in-Residence program, and the Film and Media Studies Program intends to continue the residency next year.