Finding Bukit Brown.

Abstract

“Finding Bukit Brown” is an 18-minute documentary about Bukit Brown

Cemetery prior to its redevelopment. As the largest Chinese cemetery outside of the

People's Republic of China, Bukit Brown is considered by many to be a cultural

treasure of Singapore. The first phase of redevelopment is the construction of an

eight-lane road that spans 2 kilometres across Bukit Brown. The film highlights the

heritage value of the cemetery and examines how different Singaporeans are coming

to terms with these plans. It is produced by a group of final-year students at the Wee

Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

The production for this documentary took place over five months between

November 2011 to March 2012 in Singapore. The long period allowed the team to get

close enough to their subjects for them to share their honest opinions on the topic.

The documentary features Raymond Goh, a volunteer guide who recognises

and appreciates the history interred in the hill. Goh explains the historical and cultural

features of Bukit Brown. The film also introduces Robert Tan, a Singaporean who

recently rediscovered the grave of his grandparents. Unfortunately, Tan is concerned

that the graves would be displaced due the redevelopment plans. The piece also shares

the inner thoughts of Soh Hun Seng, a tomb keeper who has been working in the

cemetery his whole life. The documentary also captures the reflections of Dr. Hui

Yew-Foong, head of the documentation team. He is working to document the 5,000

graves potentially affected by the road plans. Also in the film is Tan Chuan-Jin,

Minister of State, Ministry of National Development who shares his thoughts and the

government’s rationale behind the redevelopment plans, despite protests from the

ground.

Through the eyes of these five men, the documentary explores not only the

heritage value of Bukit Brown Cemetery but also the contrasting thoughts and

emotions of different Singaporeans towards the eventual demise of the cemetery.