FOR the first time, a work-in-progress movie will debut at the upcoming Southeast Asian Film Festival organised by and held at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM).

FRVL, a coming-of-age story about college misfits fighting to find themselves in the increasingly surreal world they live in, is the second feature by local underground filmmaker Tzang Merwyn Tong.

Its rough cut will be shown for free on the closing day of the three-week festival, curated once again by prominent film critic Philip Cheah and veteran arts administrator Teo Swee Leng.

Mr Cheah said: "Based on Tzang Merwyn Tong's 2005 film A Wicked Tale, we know that he is an interesting director. FRVL has been seven years in the making and this work-in-progress screening gives him a chance to gather more support, and will give audiences an insight into how a project evolves."

SAM director Tan Boon Hui said: "SAM has always supported the creative development of Singapore artists and filmmakers by providing a platform for them to engage with audiences and industry players. The screening of this work-in-progress film will be an opportunity for the director to garner direct audience response as he completes his film."

Article by Dylan Tan