On 2 Nov 2022, Alumni Relations, Film Studies (SHBS), and Digital Media (SST) collaborated to have a special screening of the movie Ajoomma at Golden Village VivoCity.
Produced by award-winning filmmaker Anthony Chen and directed by He Shuming, Ajoomma is the first Singapore-South Korea collaboration. Singaporean actress Hong Huifang plays Auntie, who has devoted her life to her family. Now a widow with an adult son leaving home, Auntie feels purposeless. But she loves K-drama, so she joins a tour group in South Korea—and gets left behind by the tour bus. She ends up on a life-changing adventure, forming unexpected bonds and gaining newfound confidence.
South Korean actors Kang Hyung-suk (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) and Jung Dong-hwan (Hotel Del Luna) also star, while mega-star Yeo Jin-goo has an important cameo.
The film has been very well received, with sold-out screenings at the Busan Film Festival and four nominations at the Golden Horse Awards. Ajoomma is also Singapore’s candidate for Best International Film for the 2023 Academy Awards.
Click here for the trailer: https://youtu.be/5TLZ4OGGmpU
Photos by Tan Hsiang Yi
Over 200 students, alumni, instructors, SUSS staff, and guests attended the screening.
Alumni Muhammad Haziqnuddin bin Azman, BA (Hons) English with Psychology, said that “Ajoomma’s message transcends language barriers and cultural differences. I loved how the stellar cast, relatable storyline, and nuanced script remind us about how so much of life has yet to be lived.”
Photos by Yung SG
Benjamin Foo, Human Resource Management with Minor in Film Studies, felt that “the most inspiring thing was seeing how humble director He Shuming is. Knowing more about the process and difficulties of taking a local film overseas, managing a cast of older actors, navigating the language barrier, and the troubles that came with filming certain scenes or getting funding as a new director was certainly insightful.”
Photo by Tan Hsiang Yi
Photo courtesy of Heidi Mah
For four alumnae from BA Translation and Interpretation (BATI), the event was particularly memorable. After the movie, Winnie Tan, Heidi Mah, Khang Siew Ying, and Wong Xinhui were posing for pictures in front of the poster when someone jumped in with them. As Heidi tells it, “He came suddenly from nowhere. We didn’t realise who it was, at first. Lucky never tell him “Ay, we not done yet!” she chuckled. “What a pleasant surprise. The director joined us for a photo!”
Alumna Lian Jiayuan, BSc Multimedia Technology and Design, summed up the evening: “It was a wonderful night where we were allowed to experience a great movie made by a promising new Singaporean director and a beloved veteran actress who has graced our local TV screens for many years. Thank you SUSS for organising this event for both students and alumni.”
