What We May Be

An ex-convict of substance abuse tries to win his 9-year-old son over and reintegrate himself into society. His value as a father and a man is challenged as he goes through a particularly trying day.

  • Ashwind Menon
    Director
  • Khid Abdul Jalil
    Writer
  • Khid Abdul Jalil
    Producer
  • Andrea Lee
    Editor
  • Camille Pasquier
    Gaffer
  • Gurjeevaan Singh Balrose
    Assistant Director
  • Afiq Aris
    Cinematographer
  • Josephine L Winardi
    Production Designer
  • Michelle Boey
    Audio Mixer
  • Hariz Zulkifli
    Art Director
  • Project Type:
    Student
  • Runtime:
    19 minutes 54 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Singapore
  • Country of Filming:
    Singapore
  • Language:
    Malay
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director - Ashwind Menon
Director Statement

The main idea of What We May Be is the notion of our value as humans. Who we are? What
are the choices that we make? And what is our purpose here? These are the questions that we
ask ourselves every day and represent the underlying theme that holds the story together.

The story follows an ex-convict trying to seek redemption through his son. Through this
process we see his struggles with society, his family and ultimately himself. I have always been
intrigued with recidivism, and through my research, I have found out that society plays an
important role for ex-convicts when trying to re-integrate into society. However, it is still up to the
individual to change and overcome the challenges faced rather than giving in to one's vices. This will be my message to the audience.

What We May Be is a social realist film, focusing on the authenticity of recently released prisoners. It deals with the challenges they face: love, family, drugs and the relationship between a father and son. It is a subjective film focusing on the protagonist and a character study of him with a heavy and emotional dramatic tone.

I would like the rawness and grittiness to leave a mark on the audience and would like them to be more aware of their perception of ex-convicts and to question their own role as members of society towards the less privileged.