Watching the stars under the stars
By Muhamad Farhan Bin Abdul Hamid
THOSE who long for yesteryear’s outdoor cinemas got their chance to relive their memories yesterday. Movie-goers were in for a treat when they filled Fort Canning Green to catch Class 95’s Movies-in-the-Park.
It was the seventh time that Mediacorp Radio’s Class 95 was organising the event since 2000. After a two-year break since the last Movies-in-the-Park was held at the Padang in 2006, this year’s affair promised to draw in the crowd. The organisers were optimistic in the attendance, in spite of the yearly tech fair Comex happening at Suntec City nearby.
“The event was targeted at the Class 95 audience which are those aged 25 to 45 years-old,” said Ms. Erina Cook, Senior Program Director for Class 95. But by 6.30pm more than 8000 people of all ages had packed the green grass of Fort Canning.
Class 95 deejays, Mark van Cuylenberg (The Flying Dutchman), Glenn Ong and Jean Danker warmed the crowd up with games with listeners winning Jetstar Asia and Robinsons vouchers worth up to $500. While the adults participated in the games, the younger audience took the opportunity to take photos with Transformers 2 characters Optimus Prime, Starscream and Bumblebee.
By nightfall, the deejays gave way to the big screen as the film screening started. The movies in this year’s line-up were two of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, Ironman and Transformers 2, starring big names like Robert Downey Jr. Gwyneth Paltrow, Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf. The movies each grossed over $100 million in their opening weekends at the box office.
The movie experience was not compromised with a large canvas screen and several large speakers situated around the park.
The crowd kept their eyes fixed to the screen throughout the two movies. There was a half-hour interval during which many snapped up the snacks, drinks and souvenirs available at the kiosks set up by the side. Sales were brisk and much of the merchandise was sold out before the event ended.
Despite the crowd, many enjoyed themselves. Mr. Andrew Kirk, 35, brought his children Trent and Tasha aged 7 and 9 respectively to the event. He said, “It’s a welcome change for something for me and my family to do here. The kids enjoyed themselves and I hope there will be more outdoor movie screenings.”
“Class 95’s Movies-in-the-Park aims to bring out listeners a unique outdoor movie experience and it has proven such a success that we hope to make it an annual event,” said Ms. Cook, “We hope to organise one next year and will consider a larger venue like the Padang.”
Movie-lovers can visit www.moviemob.sg which organises fortnightly outdoor screenings.
Local Arts Scene Boosted by ‘Firsts’
By Lin Jiamin
LOCAL ballet prodigy Kwok Min Yi became the first Singaporean to reach the finals of the renowned Genee International Ballet Competition, in a week of many ‘firsts’ for the local arts scene.
The 17-year-old achieved this feat on her maiden attempt last week and was also the first Singaporean in the competition’s 78-year history.
Min Yi, who left for the English National Ballet School in London on a National Arts Council (NAC) Scholarship earlier this week, said that she was happy to represent Singapore for such a prestigious event and that she has “learnt a lot” from it.
Organised by the established Royal Academy of Dance, the Genee, is widely regarded as the Olympic Games of the ballet world.
Singapore had its first taste of hosting the international competition this year. This marks the growing stature of the local arts scene.
The successful hosting of the event also provided an opportunity to showcase the local performing arts and profile Singapore as a Global City for the Arts.
Mr. Benson Puah, 52, chief executive of the NAC, which co-presented the event, observed that the audience comprised of mainly young people.
This bodes well for the local arts scene, he said.
He hopes that events like this would motivate young dancers to “pursue the art in a professional capacity”.
He said: “In dance, like in music, there is a large critical mass of students pursuing the art form. It would be great if it translates to arts companies and artistes. The energy is infectious and the future is bright.”
The exclusive nature of the competition saw only 58 candidates selected worldwide.
This year, it was the ballerinas from down under who stole the limelight.
At the finals last Saturday evening, Australia’s Claudia Dean, swept both gold medals in the Girls’ category and the Audience Choice Award. Her compatriot and fellow 17 year-old, Paul Russell, took the gold medal in the Boys’ category.
The Academy’s flagship event was held at the University Cultural Centre and drew a 1,600-strong audience.
“The crowd was amazing, not only in terms of numbers but also their coordinated responses in clapping for every single candidate onstage,” said Bernadette Kor, 21, a University Cultural Centre usher.
“Even the box seats of the hall which are normally empty, were occupied,” she added.
Guest-of-honour for the evening, Rear-Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minster for the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts said the success of Genee reflected a growing trend of cultured Singaporean audience “who appreciates top-quality dance performances.”
