It's Within Us

"If I believe in myself, how far can I go?" IT'S WITHIN US explores this relatable question of mental resilience through the intimate reflections of two Singaporean youths.

Shot during a camping expedition in Ha Long, Vietnam, the youths' inner doubts and struggles mirror their winding hikes and cave abseils into the abyss, illustrating an honest, raw confrontation with fear and uncertainty, both mentally and environmentally.

Immersing us in their headspace, the film frames challenges as catalysts of growth, inviting audiences to reflect on how confronting our vulnerabilities is ultimately a matter of belief: believing in yourself to get started, and believing in others to keep going.

  • OKJ Ong Kah Jing
    Director
  • OKJ Ong Kah Jing
    Writer
  • OKJ Ong Kah Jing
    Producer
  • Jeremy Lau
    Director of Photography
  • OKJ Ong Kah Jing
    Editor
  • Ewe Shen Tee
    Editor
  • Roy Oh Yu Rui
    Key Cast
  • Diyanah Fitri Binte Ismail
    Key Cast
  • Jayce Tham
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 45 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 18, 2026
  • Country of Origin:
    Singapore
  • Country of Filming:
    Vietnam
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - OKJ Ong Kah Jing

OKJ (Ong Kah Jing / 王傢靖) is a Singaporean documentary storyteller dedicated to immersive experiences. Since 2015, he has honed a style that intertwines honest speech with sensory audiovisual elements, placing audiences directly within the lived experiences of his subjects.

He is best known for his portrait series A PIECE OF MINE, including the 2026 film HAPPY GO LUCKY. A six-time nominee and two-time winner at the Singapore Youth Film Festival, OKJ’s work is defined by its ability to communicate universal human values and has been featured on SIA and CNA

A graduate of Tembusu College and NUS Business School, OKJ executes his creative vision with a sharp instinct for impact and distribution. In 2023, he independently organized a sold-out screening at Singapore’s largest Dolby Atmos cinema for his music documentary, A FEELING OF MUSIC PLAYING.

His deep appreciation for Southeast Asia is reflected in an extensive filmography that spans seven ASEAN nations.

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Director Statement

IT'S WITHIN US represents my latest portrait documentary work aimed at immersing audiences in the raw, honest inner thoughts of my subjects.

The production of this film presented a unique opportunity to interweave their candid reflections with the vast landscape of Ha Long, Vietnam - cinematically mirroring its beauty and rough terrains with the uncertainties of navigating life from a youth’s perspective.

I intentionally avoided the trope of pity, choosing instead to embrace their dignity and agency so that their perspectives can be engaged with on their own terms, regardless of their backgrounds.

My hope is that through this humanising approach, IT'S WITHIN US can serve as a catalysing anchor piece for youth mental health forums, community dialogues, and platforms dedicated to championing youth and mental resilience.