Meet Ewan Windebank, the 15-year-old winner of the Across Asia Youth Film Festibal 2018, hosted by Tanglin Trust School.

Tell us the story behind your film, The Recital.
There was a girl in my school who seemed like a bad person; she treated everyone poorly, never smiled, and always snapped back, especially when she lost marks. She was extremely smart but she would fight teachers endlessly to try and get that one mark deduction removed. No one liked her really, I mean, how could you? But then one day, I saw her with her mother after school. The girl hesitantly handed a report card to her mother and immediately she started shouting. It was really harsh. I heard the mother say that one mark could mean life or death. But she genuinely got 97% on her average. I found that crazy but then I realised, it’s actually quite common in Hong Kong and it sort of goes unnoticed. I didn’t make the film to say tiger-parenting was ‘bad’ as such but to just highlight the fact that there are some pretty adverse effects to this way of parenting. This was a problem that needed to be brought to light, especially now as student suicide rates in Hong Kong have been on the rise and this could be one of the leading causes.

What is your favourite part of the process?
I consider myself the scriptwriter, director and editor of the film. I do each one out of passion and so I enjoy the whole process, really. It is incredible to go from the birth of an idea; to the moment I can actually watch it on a screen.

As the scriptwriter, I envisioned the idea as I typed. Yet at the shooting stage, some of my visions never made the cut but that’s because as the director, of course, I had the camera to hand to genuinely see what it would look like on screen. This led to additions and cutting from the original as some things just didn’t work, or a new idea popped into mind on set. It all added up to become the footage I had to work with as an editor. This bit was vital; it was just putting all the pieces together.

If you asked me which bit was the most fun, it was this bit – but it was also the most frustrating. You have all your footage in front of you, and it is the most joyous thing to have the perfect shot exactly how you envisioned, but then it’s frustrating when the shot you need just isn’t there. Maybe the angle was a tad lower than you wanted, or the focus was out – it just makes you want to pull your own hair out sometimes. But in the end, when everything comes together, seeing the final product on screen is just like dreams coming true. Quite literally sometimes.

What do you feel are the major benefits when entering these competitions?
I’d say it’s important, not to win, but to meet people. The film industry is all about knowing the right people. But I go to experience, to meet and learn from others who are in the same sort of area. There’s a lot to absorb out there and I believe the best way is through people, learning from other fellow filmmakers, be it people my age or industry experts. The AAYFF is one of the best for people like me in my opinion. A whole industry day to get to learn from the pros but also being given time to talk to the other filmmakers too.

Rather than your age being a hindrance, what do you think being a young filmmaker actually contributes to new work?
Starting out this young gives you a lot of time to learn, and it’s also the best time to do so. I believe that young minds are some of the most creative – it’s just a little hard for some people at this age to express it. How this all contributes to new work? Well obviously the creativity helps out with the whole content creating bit, from coming up with script ideas, to new and interesting editing techniques and camerawork ideas. That all adds up to a pretty interesting and ‘next gen’ film. All of the filmmakers my age are in a sense, the next generation of filmmakers, so what they learn is what the film industry will be in the future.

Need ideas for the school holidays? We’ve come up with some camps, classes and even some things-to-do-for-free that the kids will love this summer.

FOR COST!

Kids Camp Asia
The emphasis here is on back-to-basics fun – even the website nostalgically reminds us of the innocent pleasures of a sack race and treasure hunts. Held at Fort Canning Park or Tanjong Beach on weekdays from 9am until 3pm, the camp offers so many outdoor activities (including obstacle runs, and a whole host of sports) for kids aged 3 ½ to 14. The coaches are also particularly focused on helping the kids grow in terms of instilling values and helping improve self-confidence. A real winner.
kidscampsingapore.com

iD Tech Camps
Coding is the language of the future and it is crucial for kids to start practicing their coding vocab ASAP! This camp held at the Singpaore University is a great place to start. Kids age 7 to 17 will learn to code, design video games, engineer robots, print 3D characters, work with AI, learn about cybersecurity… the list goes on. Get the boys and girls involved this summer.
idtech.com/tech-camps

Sports Camps Singapore
Interested in a camp that offers a discount for ANZA members? Thought so! The 2018 Summer Sports Camps Singapore is for boys and girls aged six to 12. The week-long camps held at Singapore Cricket Club, are a brilliant way for your child to try different sports and make tons of new friends. They get to experience a plethora of sports surrounded by Singapore’s landmarks and the location means its super easy for parents to drop off and pick up.
Camp price is $550 per child which includes the activities, lunch and a camp t-shirt. ANZA members receive 10% off by using discount code “ANZA” when booking online.
sccsport.com

TFL
Long-term supporters of ANZA, TFL hosts an assortment of summer holiday camps. What about a quick half-day tennis and swimming combo where kids are put through drills and techniques rounded off by a fun swim of water slides? Or what about a six-hour stint of numerous sports to engage the kids for an action-packed full-day? Or do you have a future swimming or tennis champion in the family? You can enrol them for intense advanced days to hone their skills.
tfl-training.com

UFIT
We were put onto this one by our new Marketing Manager, Deborah whose son really enjoyed the atmosphere and experience of this outdoors kid’s camp at Turf City. “The UFIT kids’ camp provides an interesting variety of activities engaging kids in athletic development– ideal timing for when ANZA Athletics takes a break for the summer – whilst keeping it fun,” says Deborah. “[It is] for kids of all abilities from mildly active to those who would like to rock a six pack like Ronaldo.”
ufit.com.sg/kids-camps

Inspired Arts Holiday Camps
We love the idea of this artistic camp so much that we would happily sign up right now! For your arty-crafty kids this would be pure heaven as they get to discover so many art forms from sculpture to animation, jewellery making, to weaving. No more macaroni necklaces for you; the art from your kids is going to be Monet-worthy! You can sign them up for different themes from the environmentally-focussed An Ocean Beyond, to learning about costume design at Super Hero Camp. Now who doesn’t want to go to that?!
inspiredartssg.com/holiday-camps

FOR FREE!

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Grab your binoculars and make like David Attenborough or the late Steve Irwin at this park in the north of the island. The ASEAN Heritage site is big on migratory birds as well as majestic herons, kingfishers and sunbirds but there are also water snakes, monitor lizards and otters to keep your eyes peeled for. The park also hosts free guided walks on the weekends for any aspiring ecologists and biologists.
nparks.gov.sg

Changi Airport
Undoubtedly you’re travelling these school holidays, in which case let Changi Airport tire out your terrors before those long flights. From indoor gardens to explore, multi-media areas to entertain and spaces to have a good run around in get to the terminals early to exhaust them pre-plane. Plan ahead by checking out the website and you should have an easy-to-cope-with flight.
changiairport.com

Royal Singapore Air Force Museum
Sticking on the aviation theme, this is a great little afternoon trip for any of those kids who dream of being pilots. You can read all about the history and current status of the RSAF, but the really exciting bit is the outdoor gallery where you can get up close to the fighter jets, missiles and anti-aircraft systems. You can also play out your Maverick-Viper fantasies too.
mindef.gov.sg

Museums & Galleries
For Singaporeans and PRs entry is free to many of the islands greatest galleries and museums, plus under-sixes get passes too. The National Gallery has so many exhibitions to inspire creativity in all age groups, whilst the National Museum has plenty of timely events going on. Give the sites a Google to plan your day of culture.
nationalgallery.sg

Coney Island
Grab the bikes and scooters, pack a rucksack and go to explore the Punggol waterways and Coney Island. There are beaches to stake your claim of, an all-natural playground to race
about and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the day with your brood. Remember to bulk-pack the sunscreen and insect repellent.
nparks.gov.sg

Lots of useful info for keeping your furry friend bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Pup-Positive Pit Stops

Canopy Garden Dining
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1,
Bishan Park 2, 569931
canopygardendining.com.sg
Having taken the pooch for a leg-stretch around the Bishan Dog Run, go to this delicious café for brekkie, brunch, lunch or dinner. The interior, exterior and plates of food all look great and the staff love giving the dogs a little scratch ‘n’ pat.

W39 Bistro
39 Jalan Mas Puteh,
off West Coast Road
w39bistro.com
For the West Coasters, this is a brilliant spot near Clementi Stadium. Pop in for a late breakfast – they’re open from 9am – and peruse the menu opting either for eggs benedict or the oozy sautéed mushroom sandwich. Work off your coffee and calories in a walk around West Coast Park.

The Coastal Settlement
200 Netheravon Rd., 508529
thecoastalsettlement.com
A Changi area option! Hurrah! Even if you’re not close by, book your PetMate and taxi out for lunch and a wander. The restaurant itself is full of quirky bits and bobs which you can peek inside to see before taking a table outside alfresco to indulge in some local comfort food like spicy seafood tom yum and nasi lemak.

Wonderful Walks

Tanjong Beach Club
A play in the surf, a run along the sand and a nice cocktail and lunch for you. Win, win! Naturally the weekends can get very busy, but a mid-week sunrise sprint along here almost feels like it’s your own private beach!

Bishan Dog Park
Recommended by so many ANZA dog-owners, this is sadly one of the few places on the island where you can let the dog off the lead and watch them frolic freely with a decent space to run.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Plenty of greenery, hills to build muscle, lots of fellow dogs to sniff and exciting things like monitor lizards in the undergrowth and terrapins in the ponds. There’s also an all-welcome café, Casa Verde to stop off at for coffee and a water bowl.

Along the River
From Rob’ Quay, up through to River Valley, this is a lovely amble along the waterway. This is ideal for socialising – make sure your pup is listening to your commands and obviously always on a leash, but you’ll both meet dogs of all shapes and sizes along here.

East Coast Park
Watch out for other users like runners and cyclists, but this is a beautiful route and ideally there are plenty of water spots, bins for the dog poop and a fenced area too.

Who’s a Good Boy, Then?

The Barkery
sgbarkery.com
With us caring so much about what we put into our own bodies, it’s no surprise that we care more about what the dog gets too – even down to his treats. Swing by this bakery on Joo Chiat to pick out dehydrated snacks, cakes and dietary supplements. Bone-Appetit!

Swaggy Tails
swaggytails.sg
From biodegradable poo bags, to tuxedo suits fit for the cat; from shearling-lined pet carriers, to designer dog beds, this Singapore-based company offers all the things you didn’t realise you needed a mere click of the button away.

Read the full article in the May issue of the ANZA Magazine online here.

“You don’t need to be a cyber guru to protect yourself in the cyber realm.” Matthew Simon, Forensic Sales Consultant at Magnet Forensics gives a teaser of what to expect at next week’s Chill, Chat, Connect!

Give us an idea of what you do:
As a Forensic Consultant, I help our customers solve the problems they face when performing forensic analysis of data, on anything from phones and computers to accessing data in the cloud and IOT devices. Today, just about everything from your fridge to your toaster can be connected to the internet and hold data.

What would people find most surprising about your job?
It may seem surprising that digital forensic analysis and your personal cyber security aren’t opposing ideas. Digital forensic analysis is performed on lawfully sized devices and data, often by law enforcement or investigators in corporate environments. We aim to understand what the data means to help in an investigation.

Good cyber security protects your data from unlawful access and people that will do you harm, often simply to make money. Many people might be surprised that a few simple steps can really increase your personal cyber security.

Can you give a teaser of what you will be covering in your talk at Chill, Chat, Connect?
It may seem difficult or impossible to have good personal cyber security to protect yourself from bad guys, but actually, like physical security, such as locking your front door, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself from many common attacks.

What can people expect to take away with them after your talk.
You don’t need to be a cyber guru to protect yourself in the cyber realm.

Join Matthew and the ANZA Team at Chill, Chat, Connect on Tuesday 12 June at Club Co, from 6.30pm to get to grips with your cyber security. Check out some of the newest places around town, meet like-minded people and unlock networking opportunities. Register here.