Synopsis:

State of Motion 2018: Sejarah-ku explores film as a site of cultural and ideological production in the last decade of pre-independence Singapore. Revisiting and reactivating snippets of our national past, 'Sejarah-ku' (Malay for 'my history') comprises a selection of seminal Malay-language films produced by the now-defunct Shaw Malay Film Productions Ltd, as well as a diverse line-up of artworks and performances made in response to the films.

A key feature of the programme is its very special opening weekend, which features performances by NADA, Muhammad Izdi and Zaki Razak, and a theatrical piece directed by Irfan Kasban. The specially-commissioned performance pieces are open to the public throughout the weekend, alongside free film screenings.

The artworks produced for this edition are curated by Kamiliah Bahdar, and include a sculptural work by Khairulddin Wahab, that will accompany the open exhibition at the NLB Plaza. The guided bus tour features artworks in various locations around Singapore by Izzad Radzali Shah, Wu Jun Han, Tan Peiling, Salleh Japar, and Boedi Wijaya.

For the first time, State of Motion travels offshore on a boat ride with a performance conceived by akulah BIMBO SAKTI. The programme also includes free film screenings and talks at the Malay Heritage Centre.

Image: Isi Neraka, 1960. Image courtesy of Shaw Organisation.