SYFF 2026 Programme 9: Beneath The Surface

Synopsis: Beneath The Surface Not everything is as it seems in these short films. Just beyond what we’re shown lies hidden truths, quiet tensions, and stories waiting to be uncovered. These stories peel back layers, revealing what’s often left unsaid, unseen, or misunderstood. The 5 short films screened (in sequence): Your Name on a Grain of Rice by Chong Ya Hui / 20:21 min A spirited 12-year-old girl from a lower-income neighbourhood in Singapore, earns her place into a prestigious all-girls secondary school. Mei Qi feels self-conscious as she struggles to relate with her classmates. On this first day of school, Mei Qi realises that the world is bigger than her own backyard. Endless Days by Aw Derik / 5 min Trapped in a time loop with his innocent girlfriend Nurul, Aziq grows frustrated by endless repetition and their lack of communication. Choosing self-worth over comfort, he ends the relationship, breaking free from the cycle and beginning a bittersweet journey of freedom, growth, and self-discovery. Tindakake Timbalku by Aisyah Rasyidah Binte Reduan / 18:10 min (Consumer Advice: *Horror) Dewi, a dancer grieving her mother’s death, feels overshadowed by her younger sister Adelina, who inherits their sacred tusuk rambut. Convinced it is her birthright, Dewi’s jealousy deepens. Haunted by a mysterious presence, she turns to forbidden practices, blurring the line between tradition and darkness in her desperate pursuit. Preserving Patterns by Annabelle Tan / 6:21 min Moon Love Batik is preserving the art of hand-drawn Hmong Batik in Laos. Join founder Tsimmuaj Adam Xyooj and apprentice Mee Cha as they share their story and passion for keeping this cultural heritage alive. After The Tone by Callisa Kesuma Kwee / 13:56 min Organised as a biography of grief through the lens of love, we feature three profiles' grief journey, without shying away from the non-mutually exclusive pain it brings. It highlights interactions with others who do not know how to properly express their support, and the societal pressure to move on quickly. 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!