It’s been a long but fruitful seven years for He since finishing graduate school at the American Film Institute. And he knows he’s in unique position, having his first film released in a completely new world, post-pandemic.
“It’s a different climate – the way we consume content is very different,” he shared.
And now with his long-gestating Ajoomma finally out there on the big screen, he is focused on one thing in mind: “How can my film drive people back to the cinema?”
“This is a film that I hope people can come to watch because it’s made for the cinema. I would like to take you to that world of watching Korean dramas come alive, and experience life through the lens of this auntie, who is just like our mums,” he said.
“She’s someone we can all identify with. And then after, we can all come out of the cinema feeling a little more hopeful. Like how Huifang and I did our ‘homework’ watching and discussing film, I hope audiences will do the same with our little film.”
He added: “I believe the film scene in Singapore is still very exciting. I mean there are so many filmmakers coming out with new work, whether it’s my generation, or a new generation or even my seniors. Everyone is coming out with films that will worth your time and energy to watch. And I’m just happy to be part of this.”
Ajoomma opens in all Golden Village cinemas in Singapore on Oct 27.