PALM SPRINGS, California – Singaporean film “Wonderland” has emerged as the Local Jury Award winner at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. This Mandarin and Hokkien language film set in the 1980s features an all-Singaporean cast including Mark Lee, Peter Yu, Xenia Tan, Janice Seah, and Rajeswary Nadarajan.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival, an American film festival that aims to showcase international cinema, took place from January 5 to 14 this year. The Local Jury Award is presented annually to the film that most effectively promotes understanding and acceptance between people.
According to the film’s IMDb page, “Wonderland” follows the story of Loke, an illiterate single father played by Mark Lee, and his daughter Eileen, played by Xenia Tan. Loke resorts to lying to Eileen about being able to afford her overseas education. As she moves to New York City, Loke sells their family home and downsizes to a one-room flat to save money. He befriends Tan, played by Peter Yu, who helps him with correspondence to and from Eileen.
Tragedy strikes when Eileen dies in a car accident. Unable to bring himself to tell Loke the truth, Tan weaves a web of lies, hoping for a better time to unveil the painful reality. However, the burden of deceit becomes overwhelming for Tan, and he eventually faces an ultimatum.
On November 8 of last year, “Wonderland” premiered at the 24th San Diego Asian Film Festival. The film was directed by award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Chai Yee Wei and produced by Mocha Chai Laboratories, a digital film lab founded by Chai and Michelle Chang in 2012.
Chang expressed her surprise and gratitude regarding the film’s success at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. She stated, “This win is proof that as long as you believe in something, work hard at it, and never let go of your passion, the world will conspire to reward you for it.” Chang hopes that the film’s victories inspire dreamers to persevere in their passions, regardless of age.
In conclusion, “Wonderland,” a Singaporean film set in the 1980s, won the Local Jury Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The movie, directed by Chai Yee Wei and produced by Mocha Chai Laboratories, tells the story of Loke, a single father, and his daughter Eileen. Mark Lee, Peter Yu, Xenia Tan, Janice Seah, and Rajeswary Nadarajan form the talented all-Singaporean cast.