‘Small Hours of the Night,’ Film About Censorship, Banned in Singapore, Pulled From Festival

As a cinephile with a deep appreciation for stories that challenge the status quo and push boundaries, I find it incredibly disheartening to witness the suppression of “Small Hours of the Night.” Living in a world where freedom of expression is cherished, it’s perplexing to see such a vibrant and thought-provoking film effectively banned in its home country.


The film titled “Small Hours of the Night,” directed by Daniel Hui, is no longer part of the schedule for the Singapore International Film Festival.

The city-state’s officials have denied issuing a release certificate for the movie, making it impossible to screen it and effectively banning its showing at the festival within the Undercurrents section. Despite this, the festival has yet to issue a public statement about the situation, but their website indicates that the film is not currently available for screening.

During the initial years following Singapore’s independence from the British Empire (in 1963) and Malaysia (in 1965), Tan Chay Wa was a militant activist, suspected to be a Communist, who opposed the division of these countries. When authorities finally apprehended him in 1976, he had switched careers to become a bus driver. However, he managed to flee Singapore, only to be captured with an armed weapon in Malaysia, eventually leading to his execution in 1983.

The story ‘Small Hours’ is based on a true court case that unfolded when Tan’s brother sought to honor Tan Chay Wa by inscribing a revolutionary poem on his grave, as per his final wishes. This action caused an uproar within the establishment, leading to the brother being imprisoned for actions deemed harmful to Singapore’s security.

Based on advice from the Ministry of Law and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the InfoComm Media Development Authority has determined that the content of this film may violate the law. It is probable that showing this film could harm national interests, so it has not been approved for screening.

In his statement, the director expressed that it’s quite ironic that a movie focusing on censorship is being subjected to censorship itself. He admitted his disappointment that the film isn’t accessible in Singapore, but he remains optimistic, hoping for a future in Singapore where open discussions can accommodate various viewpoints and voices.

This year, the movie debuted on a global scale at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, made its North American introduction at Doc Fortnight MoMA, had its Asian unveiling at Taipei International Film Festival, and was last exhibited as part of the Experimenta Strand during the BFI London Film Festival.

This film was created by Tan Bee Thiam and Hui, featuring 13 Little Pictures, in collaboration with Purin Pictures and White Light Studios. Initially, it was showcased as a project at FIDLab 2016 and Berlinale Talents Doc Station 2017. Additionally, it secured funding from the Tan Ean Kiam Foundation – SGIFF Southeast Asian Documentary Grant in 2020, which was facilitated by the festival.

Hui’s next project is again to receive funding from Purin Pictures.

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2024-11-01 16:46