In August 2016, I shared an article earlier on my site that Singtel Group launched a competition to drive content innovation in all its markets that they operates in. The name of the competition organised by Singtel Group is “The 5-Min Video Challenge”.
For the Singapore leg of Singtel Group’s “The 5-Min Video Challenge”, a winner has emerged! The title of the video is “When We Are Old” directed by Mr Koh Chong Wu. The runner up is “Calling Home” directed by Mr Tang Kang Sheng. They will be competing with entries from other countries for the grand prize at the regional finals to be held in Singapore on 21st November.
Let me share more information on this news below –
Singtel has announced that “When We are Old”, directed by Mr Koh Chong Wu, has won the Singapore leg of Singtel Group’s inaugural video competition, “The 5-Min Video Challenge.” The runner-up spot went to Mr Tang Kang Sheng’s entry, “Calling Home”. 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.
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 theme, “Connecting Lives”, was narrated in 5-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.
A stellar cast of judges including Mr Eric Khoo, Mr K. Rajagopal and Mr Brian Gothong Tan considered criteria such as relevance to theme, storytelling, originality, cinematography and quality of production, in choosing the winning entries.
Mr 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.”
Inspired by a true story, “When We Are Old” offers a glimpse into the life of a son living with his dementia-suffering mother.
Mr Koh said, “I am very happy and excited about winning. 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, “Calling Home” depicts how a migrant worker’s call home connects two strangers at a bus stop.
“It is such an honour to have our short film chosen as the first runner up and we are absolutely psyched about the win! 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 Mr Tang.
Mr Koh will be awarded S$15,000 in prize money for winning the local challenge and runner-up, Mr Tang will receive S$10,000. Their 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.
Mr Koh and Mr Tang will also join finalists from Singtel Group’s regional associates to vie for the Grand Winner spot and cash prize of US$30,000 at the Regional Finals later this month.
The 5-Min Video Challenge – Audience voting
Conceptualised to drive content innovation and engage audiences in all of Singtel’s markets, “The 5- Min Video Challenge” is a joint initiative by associates within the Group, comprising Singtel, Optus, AIS, Airtel, Globe and Telkomsel.
The Challenge garnered close to 600 entries from Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Tanzania and Thailand. The videos, submitted by a demographic of students, aspiring filmmakers and award-winning directors, featured various languages and a gamut of genres, ranging from comedy, romance to drama and slice of life.
Local judges were tasked to choose a winner and runner-up from the submissions. Twelve finalists – two from each of the six countries will be competing in the Regional Finals.
These finalists, as well as regional judges, Mr Eric Khoo (Singapore), Mr Monty Tiwa (Indonesia), Mr Simon Joyce (Australia), Mr Philbert Ortiz Dy (the Philippines), Mr Pratthana Leelapanang (Thailand), and Mr Hanscana (Tanzania) will convene at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 21 November for the final judging session and awards event.
Besides the regional judges, audiences will also have a say in choosing the Grand Winner – public votes will count for 30 percent of overall scores at the finals. The public can view and then cast their votes for their favourite videos at www.the5minvideo.com/finalists. Voting is open until 18 November 2016, 2359hrs, SGT.
* Information courtesy of Singtel Corporate Communications *