It’s the Singaporean dream. To live a passion limitlessly, undeterred or restrained by arbitrary governance or outdated social expectations. But, packaging that dream, is the less-than-shiny wrapping paper adorned with the fine print reminder that said dream can almost never be achieved within Singapore.
There are many who have tried, some have even succeeded (however marginally)–but most have either long abandoned such lofty fantasies or have simply exported their ambitions.
It’s the Singaporean reality: to nurture, to sow anything outside the rigid square worth reaping, one just might have to leave our borders. But there are a few whose ambitions include finding ways to walk that line–migrating themselves and their efforts, while staying true to their identity and keeping home in mind.
Arvind Jay’s journey has been nothing short of eventful. Since graduating from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Film & Media Studies (and fulfilling his National Service obligations), Jay has done a BA (Hons) in Film Production at UK’s Bournemouth Film School, specialising in Producing & Directing, graduating straight into the gaping vacuum of the post-COVID media climate.
Finding his place in an industry–which, itself, was seeking its own footing again–Jay’s venture into professional filmmaking commenced with freelance work, primarily as a script supervisor, learning the ropes of filmmaking beyond an academic purview, better comprehending the reality of the process.
The most recent representation of almost half a decade of experience-building and continued learning is Afterglow, a sci-fi short leaning further into the themes Jay is fond of: family, and the love that binds them… with a sci-fi twist.
A time-bending story of fathers, sons, love, and legacy. Afterglow, written and directed by Arvind Jay, is brought to life by the powerful performances of Emmanuel Imani, Tomi Ogunjobi, Emmanuel Ogunjinmi, Stephanie Ocampo, and Promise Elukanlo. With Oscar & BAFTA-winning Executive Producer Kevin McGrath on board, the film proudly stands as a recipient of Bournemouth Film School’s Alumni Fund. A bold co-production by Six North Studios and CUBE Studio, Afterglow embarks on its festival journey in 2025.
Aside from its high production value, scenic shots, and incredible VFX implementation, Afterglow stands out due to the number of Singaporeans with whom Arvind Jay has equipped his crew. Teaming-up with other London-based Singaporean talents, Jay’s work is unique in its approach with his desire to not just remain connected with people who share his roots, but in also finding deeper diversity despite their similarities.
Stills Photographer Nicholas Teo’s work often lies at the intersection of documentary and fashion. Some of his accolade-earning works include the fashion documentary project Nature Finds a Way, and documentary I Am Not My Diagnosis, the latter for which he received the gold medal at the 2023 Association of Photographers Student Awards.
Bawean-Singaporean multimedia artist Huda Osni’s search into their own heritage and identity is among their work’s core inspiration. Huda’s creative journey charts towards cultural erasure through moving images, and finding those similar to themselves as collaborators. On Afterglow, Huda brings a keen understanding of the intersection between identity, and the visual arts as Art Assistant.
Fellow Arts University Bournemouth film production alumnus Alvin Jai’s accumulation of experience across both UK and Singapore sees itself culminate in this fittingly hybrid project. Operating as Key Grip on Afterglow, Alvin’s speciality remains cinematography, but his versatile skill set allows him to adopt multiple roles–an especially useful talent now that he’s back in Singapore’s media field.
Perhaps because of, or maybe even despite, the multinational scope of Afterglow, Arvind Jay’s found a greater strength in calling together other Singaporeans in search of their place in the creative world–arguably one born of being brought up in this small island, but also a world larger than anything anyone could otherwise know.
And that’s just part of the process of building something–whether or not it’s made in Singapore, there is pride to be taken that it’s made by those from Singapore.
For an immediate, in-depth look at Arvind Jay’s work, we leave you with his most recent release, Stargazer.
Stargazer follows an estranged, disconnected family on a journey through the stars as they come together after a recent loss.