Coming back home after spending 10 years abroad obviously meant having the pleasure of exploring the local film scene, and I kickstarted that process by checking out Salam Gembira, Dzul Sungit's debut narrative feature. I must say, I did not go with the most open mind - I was mostly curious about what exactly made the film earn its R21 rating. The premise was funny, but I wondered if it would get predictable and it did not. This film feels like the line "I have never been a natural/all I do is try try try" and boy did they try, from both cast and crew alike.

Every time someone comes out to do something different, they make it just a wee bit easier for the next person to come along to do it. As a Singaporean filmmaker who is also keen on making her first feature as well, I am so grateful for the ones who took the leap of faith in an unconventional project (within the context of Singapore) and pave that path forward for the rest of us. Kudos to the Salam Gembira team, and congratulations on your premiere ✨

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