SURREALIST CINEMA
THE POTTER PANEL
Taking on the theme of Surrealism, Perspectives Film Festival – organised by students from Nanyang Technological University ( NTU) and supported by the National Museum of Singapore – is back for its ninth edition from 27 to 30 October. It features a selection of award-winning international films that aim to jolt viewers out of their comfort zones by illuminating the outlandish and perplexing imagery of the unconscious mind. Screened at The Projector on Beach Road and Gallery Theatre at National Museum Singapore, this year’s films include Eraserhead (US, 1977), The Dance of Reality (Chile, 2013), Endless Poetry (Chile, 2016), Fantastic Planet (France, 1973), Daisies (Czechoslovakia, 1966), The Taste of Tea (Japan, 2004) and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil (UK, 1985). For more information, visit facebook.com/perspectivesff.
ONLINE OBSERVATIONS In his latest documentary, Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World, renowned German filmmaker Werner Herzog turns his attention to the digital world, giving viewers a playful yet chilling examination of our rapidly interconnecting online lives. Featuring interviews with heavy-hitters of the technology sphere, the 90-minute film explores the effects of the Internet Age over 10 different chapters. The movie is currently being screened as part of Artscience on Screen, an Artscience Museum programme aimed at exploring the intersection of art and science through film. Free admission. For screening times and more information, visit marinabaysands.com/artsciencemuseum.
We asked three teenaged Potter fans for their thoughts on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. “Yes, I think it means you have to read it more thoroughly and carefully so you don’t miss any part of it. You also get a view from every character’s perspective, not just Harry’s, like in the first seven books.” – Hana Rossi, 14
“Yes, because of the great plot, which is actionpacked with loads of excitement.” – Hana
“Yes, she plays a very strong female role model, but unfortunately her role in this story felt a bit too reliant on her romantic relationship with Ron Weasley.” – Jerica Rossi, 12
“I liked the book because Albus isn’t perfect, unlike Harry; Albus is in Slytherin, and he doesn’t see the bigger, better picture, but he has a good heart. He is also very easy to relate to. The plot was more confusing than the other books, but interesting with lots of twists; however, it didn’t wrap up as smoothly as the others.” – Jerica
“Yes, he is, but love often blinded him. Growing up as an orphan meant he didn’t really know how to be a father and sometimes he didn’t know what was best for his children.” – Greta Roberts, 13
“Read the other books first to understand the relationships between the characters, and to help you understand the story, as the contextual information is important.” – Greta
Written by British expat and first-time mother Victoria Wells, this encouraging guide aims to help new mums arrive at a happier and healthier place post-birth. Though it reads more like a blog (many sentences ending in exclamation marks, and a few typos here and there), it’s motivational no less – in fact, its casual tone is refreshing.
Victoria reminds new mums like me that we’re all going through the same thing, from hormones and acne to mummy tummies and other physical changes, not to mention “baby brain”, and the importance of taking deep breaths. (One chapter is titled “How Not to Lose Your Sh*t”.)
The three sections – Beauty, Body and Mind – are scattered with humour and relatable anecdotes, and offer various beauty hacks (Sudocrem for facial breakouts!), dressing-for-yourbody tips, and various things Victoria has researched or learnt through trial and error along the way. She doesn’t claim to be an expert, and the book is unapologetic in suggesting that new mums should not only be the best mothers they can be, but the best women, too, whether that’s by feeling pretty thanks to a great skincare regimen or going to Pilates once a week.
If you’re a new mummy, you’ll likely enjoy this super-quick read; it’s a great “you can do this!” motivator if you’re new to dealing with everything that comes with having a brand new bub at home, all while trying to stay confident about yourself – and sane.
– Amy Greenburg