SYFF 2026 Programme 8: Unfolding

Synopsis: Unfolding These films explore the raw, the tender, and the in-between, where we can choose to confront, escape, embrace, or simply survive what unfolds. The 5 short films screened (in sequence): Tanggung Jiwa by Nurain Kili Tan / 16:06 min (Consumer Advice: *Some Mature Content) In a household bounded by faith, Jamaliah struggles to reconnect with her teenage daughter, Aliyah, while longing for companionship. Unbeknownst to her, Aliyah is grappling with the same emotional turmoil. As both mother and daughter navigate their unspoken parallel desires, the growing distance between them threatens to fracture their fragile bond. Paper Lotus by Meijo Fu / 7:31 min A Youth learns about the actual magnitude of what it means to support a societal cause, and they have to face a difficult decision on how to move forward through an interactive game telling the story between two characters, Amero and Eris. The Tie That Frays But Never Breaks by Wafa Quraisyah Bte Abdul Samad / 6:02 min A daughter revisits the past to understand her fragile relationship with her mother, where unspoken pain turned into resentment. When self-loathing became too much, she began a journey to understand not only her mother but also her own choices. Clementine by Michelle Kham / 7:04 min Clementine is a 2D animated film set in a local art gallery, where a Victorian portrait of two twin sisters has captivated visitors for decades. When one sister suddenly disappears from the canvas, the other must abandon the safety of their painting and journey through the gallery to find her. balang araw by Christal Gallyot / 18:17 min (Consumer Advice: *Some Disturbing Scenes) As a storm of violence sweeps through the Philippines under President Duterte's drug war, Martika helps her employers adjust to parenthood abroad. Haunted by guilt over the inability to be there for her son, her two worlds intertwine. Visit https://syff.sg/ for more information There will be a post-screening Q&A. Please note that the screening is a compilation of all 5 short films together and therefore the highest rating, PG13, will apply for admission to the screening. Use the promo code SYFF-FREE to get free tickets from 4 Dec 2025 to 4 Jan 2026!