In Let Me Tell You A Story, we documented the stories and memories of the oldest living witnesses of Singapore history – a generation of people who witnessed life in the country before there was a nation and can still remember glimpses of a Singapore that we barely see traces of today.

Unlike many Singapore historical documentaries, we wanted to tell a people’s history, driven by the anecdotes and experiences of regular folk from different walks of life. From former coolies to poets to nurses, we interweave their voices together to paint a collective and immersive tapestry of life from almost a century ago.  Our interviewees were 80 to 100 years of age, representing a generation whose authentic stories we wanted to document for today’s audiences. Since its broadcast, two of them have passed away, underscoring the urgency of documenting their narratives before they are lost.

Released over two parts on Singapore’s National Day, it was a tribute to the everyday people who contributed to the nation’s development and identity.

The style of the storytelling incorporates archives, re-enactments but also stylised animation that reflect a more gritty comic book look in places.

In conjunction with the launch, we collaborated with “Makan with Seniors,” an initiative promoting intergenerational connections and opportunities for youth to engage with seniors. In a special “human library” event, participants had the chance to interact with seniors featured in the documentary, gaining firsthand insights into their lives and experiences.

Write-up on the event: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/makan-seniors-human-library-singapore-story-stereotype-uneducated-3685456