Private Project

Tied with the Tides

Tuvalu is one of the world's most vulnerable island nations: it is sinking. Rising sea levels threaten not only their land, but to their entire cultural identity. While there are global discussions on climate change about policy, movements and environmental activism, this documentary features a less discussed aspect: climate change through the eyes of the youth in Tuvalu.

The film focuses on the dilemma: Should these youth leave in pursuit of better education and opportunities, knowing that returning may not be an option? Or should they stay and fight for their home, the culture, the traditions that may disappear with the land?

  • Andy Hui
    Director
  • Naqea 'Atiqah Binte Osman
    Producer
  • Andy Hui Liuxing
    Co-Producer
  • Andy Hui Liuxing
    Cinematographer
  • Aisyah Rasyidah Binte Reduan
    Editor
  • Yen Lim
    Editing Advisor
  • Jun Bin Chen
    Colourist
  • Joan Yong
    Audio Post-Producer
  • Fira Roslan
    Sound Designer
  • Nicholas Phang
    Audio Engineer
  • Yannic Bechtold
    Music Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Student
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Climate, Tuvalu, Youth, Climate change
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 15, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    8,100 SGD
  • Country of Origin:
    Singapore
  • Country of Filming:
    Tuvalu
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    FX3, SLog3.cine
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Andy Hui

Andy Hui is an emerging filmmaker from Singapore. His works focuses on the dilemma of youthfulness, exploring themes in navigating uncertain futures, shifting identities, and the changing relationships with the places one claims as home. His documentaries and narratives, showcases the complex nature of the human experience.

A graduate of LASALLE College of the Arts, his film Unsheltered, which examines rough sleepers in Singapore, was long listed in Yugo BAFTA Student Awards 2024 and screened at Athens Digital Arts Festival 2025. His latest film, Tied with the Tides, explores the emotional existential dilemma facing three Tuvaluan youth as climate change threatens their home.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a filmmaker from Singapore — another island nation — I’ve always been curious about the sacrifices young people make in pursuit of opportunity. I myself have sought better prospects overseas, but I’ve always had the privilege of returning home. For Tuvaluan youths, that return may no longer be possible. This story is my way of exploring that emotional and moral dilemma — to leave and grow, or to stay and protect. Through this film, I hope to share the complexity, beauty, and heartbreak of this choice with a global audience.