Forever Fever (1998) is one of five independent Asian films screening soon at the National Film and Sound Archive. Photo: NFSA.
There are many ways to explore what it means to be human, but perhaps the most common is through film.
Global cinema is about far more than just entertainment. Film as an art form transcends all kinds of social borders, offering a rare glimpse into the thoughts, feelings and experiences of people from cultures outside our own.
This August, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) will explore themes of identity and resilience, infused with a touch of Kung Fu, in the 2025 edition of Reciprocal.
Reciprocal is an annual collaborative program run by the Asian Film Archive in Singapore.
Making its Australian debut in the NFSA’s Arc Cinema, the program will screen five carefully selected independent Asian films over three days.
Senior curator Elena Guest manages the NFSA’s digital restoration program. Her team has brought dozens of films back to life for modern audiences to enjoy, from silent theatre to modern indie shorts and all the cult classics in between.
“We’re thrilled to have five incredible films to host in August, each with its own story to tell,” Elena says.
“The Asian Film Archive will highlight seven pieces from our collection as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight Australian cinema for Singapore audiences.”
Maryam (15+)
Language: Malay and English with English subtitles
Date and time: Friday, 1 August, 7 pm.
First up on opening night is Maryam (2023).
Maryam follows a 50-year-old aristocrat as she fights for love and her right to make her own choices.
The Malaysian drama is set over a single day and certainly doesn’t pull any punches, with main characters facing a series of challenges posed by age, class, gender and control under Sharia law.
Be With Me (15+)
Language: Cantonese, English, Hokkien, and Mandarin with English titles
Date and time: Saturday, 2 August, 1 pm.
The first of two Saturday screenings is Be With Me (2005).
Inspired by a true story and brought to life by Eric Khoo, one of Singapore’s most successful directors, Be With Me immediately caught Elena’s attention.
“Eric Khoo’s work has had a huge impact on how Singaporean films are viewed internationally,” she says.
“Be With Me reflects on the different facets of human connection through three fictional characters.
“It draws from the autobiography of Theresa Chan, a deaf and blind woman who faced the difficulties of her life head-on and came out on top.”
Forever Fever (M)
Language: English with English subtitles
Date and time: Saturday, 2 August, 7 pm.
Saturday’s second viewing showcases Forever Fever, a 1998 musical comedy set in Singapore.
Restored by the Asian Film Archive in 2018 using original camera and sound negatives, Forever Fever follows the wild journey of a young man who uses big dreams to rebel against disillusionment.
“This one is loads of fun,” Elena says.
“To give you an idea of just how brilliant it is, cinematographer Brian Breheny was also behind The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994).”
The best bit? Viewers can keep the party going post-screening with a fun-filled karaoke session.
Sementara (18+)
Language: English with English subtitles
Date and time: Sunday, 3 August, 1 pm.
Reciprocal‘s last day starts with a lunchtime screening of Sementara (2020), a documentary as diverse as it is fascinating.
Filmmakers capture deeply personal interviews with Singaporeans from all walks of life, detailing intimate thoughts, beliefs and motivations as the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence.
Ring of Fury (M)
Language: Mandarin with English and Chinese subtitles
Date and time: Sunday, 3 August, 4 pm.
The program wraps up with a real wild card.
Ring of Fury (1973) was banned in Singapore until the early 2000s for its portrayal of gangster and vigilante culture.
“Ring of Fury stars a true martial arts master, Peter Chong, who plays a family man in search of revenge against local gang members,” Elena says.
“It’s a perfect end to Reciprocal‘s arc, which moves through drama, inspiration, fun, and reflection before really hitting home.”
“I can’t wait to see Canberra enjoy a broad view of Asian culture through this lens for the first time.”
Reciprocal will be screened on Australian soil for the first time in the National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema, from Friday, 1 August, to Sunday, 3 August.
Individual screenings cost $16 per person, or book a pass for three films of your choice. Tickets are available online at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
