Animal welfare group raising funds through 5 short films on street dogs, directed by & starring S'pore actors

UPDATE on Nov. 6 at 3:30pm: This article has been updated with details of a second screening.

What's it like to be a street dog in Singapore, how does life take shape upon being rescued, and how have these beloved animals changed the lives of their owners?

Well, you'll be able to gain a glimpse into the lives of five dogs at the Oct. 30 premiere of "Homebound", an anthology of five short films produced by animal welfare group Save Our Street Dogs Singapore (SOSD) in collaboration with veteran local film producer Daniel Yun.

Yun had previously been involved in the production of movies such as "I Not Stupid", "The Maid" and "881".

Cast of household names

While often seen in front of the camera, this will be local actors Rui En and Lawrence Wong's directorial debut.

The other three short films are directed by Jason Lee, Tejas Ewing, and, together, Jeremy Kieran Ng and Zhang Minhua, CNA reported.

The films also feature household names such as Andie Chen, Ya Hui, Lin Meijiao, Oon Shu An, Yeo Yann Yann, Shabir Sulthan and Remesh Panicker.

The film aims to raise funds for SOSD while honouring past rescued dogs Bacon, Friday, Echo, Esky and Frida.

Reflecting on the question of what had inspired him to produce "Homebound", Yun shared in an Instagram post that part of it stemmed from his personal experiences of growing up in Geylang and encountering stray dogs.

When he met the founders and volunteers of SOSD, he saw how "meaningful" their efforts were.

"When I met the founders and volunteers of SOSD, what was most meaningful for me is their efforts to give each street dog an identity. And it starts with providing a home," he added.

"That for all the streets the dogs wander, one will lead each of them home."

Likewise reflecting on the experience in an Instagram post, Rui En dedicated the film to "all the animal rescuers who have invested entire chunks of their hearts into what they do."

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rui En (@wilderseas29)

Five films based on true stories

Some of these stories may hit close to home.

The storylines of these films are mostly inspired by, and reflect, the stories of SOSD's rescues.

Of the five films, the 15-minute-long "Bacon" stars Chen and SOSD's shelter dog Lengzai, a Singapore Special.

It was inspired by SOSD president's Siew Tuck Wah's very own relationship with his dog, Bacon, and the journey of grief surrounding the loss of a loyal companion, reported The Straits Times.

Or take "Echo", which tells the story of how a dog reunites a son (Sulthan) with his estranged father (Panicker).

Or perhaps how blind shelter dog Friday No. 2 guides a young woman (Ya Hui), through a dark time in her life.

Premiere details

Here's how you can catch the screening on Oct. 30:

For each donation of S$50, the donor will be entitled to one ticket for the screening.

Donations can be made here, and will be used to fund one of three campaigns:

1. SOSD Rehabilitation Centre Campaign
2. SOSD Medical Fundraiser 2024
3. Jurong Island Trap Neuter Release Manage Programme 2024

Date: Oct. 30, 2024

Time: 7pm (Registration starts from 6:30pm. The movie duration is 70 minutes.)

Venue: Conrad Centennial Singapore, Grand Ballroom

Second screening

A second screening has been scheduled.

Similar to the first screening, every donation of S$50 will be entitled to one ticket.

Donations can be made here.

Date: Nov. 22, 2024

Time: 7:30pm

Venue: #01-01 Cemtex Industrial Building, 5 Little Road S(536983)

Top image from SOSD Singapore / YouTube