Last Sunday marked the final day of filming for Can You Hear Me? — and what a day it was! We started early, with six scenes to complete before 10 p.m. The very first scene of the day was the waltz — the one where I dance alone on stage, under the spotlight.
During the trial run, everything went smoothly. I was in my element, moving to the rhythm and feeling the emotion of the moment. But when we began filming the first take, disaster struck — I lost my balance mid-turn and fell hard. Boom! It was as if the title of the film itself was asking the audience, “Can you hear me?”
Everyone froze. Within seconds, people rushed up to check on me. I was a bit sore from the fall, but I knew I had to carry on — it was, after all, the first scene of the day.
Unlike my earlier scenes, this one required me to move freely — to dance, to express. As a bit of a perfectionist, I wanted to redo the take a few more times to make sure I had done justice to the moment. But Mun, ever the caring director, decided it was best not to risk another fall. She reassured me that she already had what she needed — and that the scene had captured exactly what it was meant to.
Practising Beside the Wall of Fame
Before the cameras rolled that morning, I had been rehearsing my steps with Tessa along the corridor outside the auditorium. As we moved, I suddenly noticed what was behind me — the Wall of Fame showcasing SMU’s Distinguished Speakers for The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership Lecture Series.
There they were: Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, among others.
For a brief moment, it felt as if I were dancing for this remarkable audience. And somehow, that thought filled me with quiet pride — knowing that this short film, in its own small way, could stand alongside great voices by giving one to people like me, stroke survivors with aphasia.
The Rest of the Day
After that dramatic start, the rest of the day flowed beautifully. Scene after scene, outfit after outfit, emotion after emotion — it was a marathon of focus and feeling. Filming a short film is no small feat; it’s a mix of precision, patience, and perseverance.
By the end of the shoot, I was spent — but the entire SMU film crew remained full of energy. That’s the magic of youth: spirited, passionate, and unstoppable.
Working with them made me feel young again. They were all so thoughtful — making sure I was okay, helping me move around, waiting patiently whenever I needed a moment.
Gratitude
I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Tessa inspired me to dance and patiently guided my movements with grace and encouragement. Arielle coordinated the project with warmth and focus — and even carried a bench all the way from Commonwealth to SMU! Calvin was constantly looking out for me, making sure I was alright and even taking me for toilet breaks. Mun made sure I looked good on camera and helped draw out the emotions needed for each scene, while Siew captured every precious moment behind the lens. Alex, thank you for allowing us to make a mess of your home during the first day of shooting. And to everyone else who played a part in making this short film possible — and to the fathers who kindly loaned their clothes for the shoot — thank you all for being part of this journey.
Their warmth, patience, and professionalism turned every challenge — even my fall — into a moment of learning and laughter.
Looking Ahead
As I watched some of the playback, I couldn’t help smiling. The shots looked beautiful, the emotions real. I can’t wait to see the final cut.
This project has been more than a film for me — it’s been a journey of discovery, hope, and connection.
Can You Hear Me? will World Premiere on 13 December at SMU Singapore.
More details will follow — so keep the date free, and I hope to see you there!
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