Shirkers

Shirkers is a uniquely provocative movie released in 2018, that skillfully merges the boundaries of documentary and narrative filmmaking. The movie features Jasmine Ng, Sophie Siddique Harvey, and Philip Cheah as the lead characters and is phenomenally directed by Sandi Tan; who also acts as the film's narrator. Tan takes the viewers on a personal autobiographical journey back to her teenage years in Singapore in the early 1990s.

In an era when Singapore was culturally stifled for the lack of supportive environment for independent filmmaking, Sandi Tan and her friends, Jasmine Ng, and Sophie Siddique Harvey, dared to venture into the unchartered path. They collaborated on an ambitious 16mm project under the mentorship of their enigmatic American film teacher Georges Cardona. They set out to create Singapore's first indie road movie named "Shirkers", the film that becomes the center of the documentary.

Tan takes her viewers on a deep dive into her past through an elaborative narrative built around the trio's teenage rebellious spirit, their daring approach towards film-making, cultural dynamics of 90s' Singapore, and an unflinching portrayal of friendship.

The film gives a fascinating account of the trio's guerilla filming adventure across Singapore, against all odds. The 'Shirkers' project is captured as a testament of their youthful rebellion against societal norms and their zest for pushing the boundaries of Singapore cinema.

However, things took a shocking turn when Cardona disappeared with all the footage of 'Shirkers' which saw these young aspirants grappling with a strange form of loss and betrayal. What could have potentially been the breakthrough in their careers and a possible masterpiece of Singapore’s cinematography vanished into thin air. The mystery surrounding these missing reels and Cardona himself constitute a significant part of the documentary.

The compelling narrative of Shirkers is complemented by Tan's effective usage of illustration, animation, and remnants of the original 'Shirkers', perfectly encapsulating the aura of 90s' Singapore. Tan’s filmmaking style in the documentary is filled with inventiveness, mirroring the creative audacity they had during their teenage years. Shirkers thrives on its unique mix of mystery, nostalgia, and an emotional exploration of aspirations, dreams, and despair.

Bringing back life to their 25-years old raw footages and still images, Tan reconstructs the story based on her own experiences and memories, as well as those of Jasmine Ng and Sophie Siddique Harvey. Their individual perspectives about the incident, their personal growth over the years, and reconciliation with what happened add multiple layers to the narration.

In Shirkers, Sandi doesn't just document the past, but she also examines its effect on her present life and identity. The documentary is a fascinating exploration of memory, loss, betrayal, friendship, ambition, and the intoxicating power of cinema. Intensely personal and yet universally relatable, Shirkers engages the viewers in a haunting memory trip tinged with feelings of what might have been.

As a Singaporean filmmaker, Tan offers an intriguing depiction of her country’s cultural landscape, and the stifling restrictions of the time through her characters' motivations. Through the journey, the viewers also get a glimpse into a side of Singapore seldom seen on screen.

Shirkers reclaims the narrative of a lost film, and it’s the compelling redemption of a dream that was stolen. It's not just a film about a film; it is indeed, a heartfelt letter to cinema, womanhood, friendship, and forgiveness.

The unique narrative strategy draws viewers into the band of spirited young women’s symbolic contestation against the patriarchal control symbolized by Cardona. It also puts a spotlight on the power dynamics involved in creative collaborations and the transparency needed in such projects.

The movie is a poignant memoir, a thriller, an art project, and a coming-of-age tale all rolled into one. Shirkers makes for an earnest, imaginative, and soulful cinematic experience, reverberating long after the credits roll. It is a thoughtful reflection of the raw, impetuous spirit of youth and the bitter-sweet lessons of growing up. Truly, Shirkers is a celebration of creativity and resilience.

In conclusion, Shirkers is an inspiring movie that reverberates with depth, layers, and eclectic storytelling. It resonates with its audience and leaves them pondering long after the credits roll. It is truly an ode to the spirit of independent filmmaking, and a must-watch for all cinema lovers.