Now, Then

蝴蝶山;NOW, THEN
single channel video, 5.1 surround sound, 2023
In Mandarin, Hokkien and Singlish with English Subtitles
16 minutes

A documentary-fiction film installation showing a contemporary take on the Wuxia* genre and Chinese spirit mediums in Singapore. The film shows a female protagonist on a journey to seek revenge, for her deceased loved one.

Using a mix of my own documentation and found footage from cinema, the film re-contextualises the past and creates a place of presence. The narrative blurs the lines between truth and fiction, creating an uncertain world in which justice may never be served.

*Wuxia, 武侠 : is a Chinese film genre. The word is composed of Xia, meaning “chivalry” or “hero” and Wu, meaning ‘martial arts’. It often contains sword fighting battles, historical/religious themes and sometimes supernatural occurrences. The Xia concept is a way of life that emphasizes the importance of personal honour and integrity, especially when fighting for what you believe in.

*Jiang Hu, 江湖: is a fictional realm often depicted in Wuxia films. It translates to “river lake.”

Images of characters being dissolved into and devoured by the world of Jiang Hu acts as a metaphor that reflects on complex interpersonal relationships in Chinese society. People in Jiang Hu are in constant motion. They experience intense emotions, often raw and visceral, whether amongst themselves, with friends, or between loved ones. They navigate a grey area of society and life, and resort to illicit or extreme means to defend their justice, morals, or values.

As a result, the inclusion of Jiang Hu in the film has opened new possibilities for the development of compelling and complex characters, and for the storytelling of emotions.