Singtel announces Singapore winners for The 5-Min Video Challenge

Source: Singtel. Still from the video When We are Old.

Singtel has announced that When We are Old, directed by Koh Chong Wu, has won the Singapore leg of Singtel Group’s inaugural video competition, The 5-Min Video Challenge. 

Inspired by the true life experience of Singaporean artist and cancer survivor Danny Raven Tan, who co-produced the film with Koh, When We Are Old offers a glimpse into the life of a son living with his mother, who suffers from dementia. Koh said, “Making films is my passion and I have made it my lifelong pursuit. To be able to help others share their stories and create films that touches the heart of others means a lot to me. Winning this competition will spur me to continue to make more films and reach out to more people.” 

The runner-up spot went to Tang Kang Sheng’s entry, Calling Home. Calling Home depicts how a migrant worker’s call home connects two strangers at a bus stop. “The film was made based on our own experiences on connecting with strangers. What came through to us most in this production was how both the actors had channelled their own personal experiences into their performances.” said Tang. 

Supported by Singtel to nurture and provide talent with a platform to showcase their creativity, the Singapore leg of the Challenge attracted more than 55 submissions from film professionals as well as students. The Challenge is a joint initiative by associates within the Group, comprising Singtel, Optus, AIS, Airtel, Globe and Telkomsel. It garnered close to 600 entries from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Tanzania and Thailand. 

The theme, Connecting Lives, was narrated in five-minute videos that grappled with topics ranging from the light-hearted such as travel and youth romance, to more serious societal concerns such as aging. Entries were judged on criteria such as relevance to theme, storytelling, originality, cinematography and quality of production, in choosing the winning entries. 

Judge Brian Gothong Tan said, “The films that we have selected reflect our human need to connect. We gravitated towards films that portrayed the complexity of communication in a simple, clear yet profound manner. We were moved and touched by their honest storytelling that expressed the human condition with all its ups and downs, and showed us how all our lives are inextricably linked.” 

Both videos will compete with 10 other entries from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Tanzania and Thailand for the grand prize at the Regional Finals to be held in Singapore on 21 November. Koh will receive S$15,000 in prize money for winning the local challenge while Tang will receive S$10,000. 

Interested?

The winning videos, along with two other top local submissions can be viewed on Singtel TV, the official 5-Min Video Challenge website and Singtel’s YouTube channel. Koh and Tang will also join finalists from Singtel Group’s regional associates to vie for the title of Grand Winner and a cash prize of US$30,000 at the Regional Finals. 

Audiences will have a say in choosing the Grand Winner – public votes will count for 30% of overall scores at the finals. The public can view and then cast their votes for their favourite videos from around the region. Voting is open until 18 November 2016, 23:59pm, Singapore time.