kwa giu

NEW FILM: ULTRAMEN JOHOR: JDT Fans film

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Here’s a new mini film to kick off 2015: ULTRAMEN JOHOR. I shot this footage in Jan 2014 but decided to revisit it recently and finally cut it into a film.

28 Jan 2014 – Johor Darul Ta’zim vs LionsXII
It was my second visit to the Larkin Stadium and I knew the atmosphere was gonna be great. Flags, chants, songs and coordinated scarves throughout 90 mins.

JDT’s support increased after the recent influx of resources and signings of superstars like Argentine international Pablo Aimar. You can feel the Johoreans’ passion for their team, and for their state even. Stuff that makes your skin crawl and your hair stand.

From a Singapore perspective:
The recent happenings on and off the pitch of Singapore football (S.league, Suzuki Cup) have made me wonder: Are Singaporeans really football fans, or just TV fans? Recently at the Singapore Sports Hub, Singaporeans were out-sung by visiting fans from Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia.

Perhaps our neighbours across the Causeway have the answer. Week in week out, THIS happens in their local stadiums. Led by ultras like BOS (Boys of Straits), there is a carnival, a worship of their local team and the beautiful game.

Perhaps we watch so much foreign football on television that we have forgotten what it is to be football fans. You don’t go to a stadium to enjoy the atmosphere, you ARE the atmosphere.

Singapore issues aside, this film is dedicated to the Johor Ultras. It was eye opening to make this film.

AYUH JOHOR! Respect!

NOTE: It’s been a busy past few years raising money and preparing to shoot my first feature film. Hence the lack of posts here. Thanks for visiting this site, do keep in touch on Hosaywood Facebook. – Jacen

New film: LIONS ALL THE WAY online now

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LIONS ALL THE WAY captures the fans, passion and atmosphere at the Suzuki Cup Final 2012, where Singapore beat Thailand 3-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

In recent times, a new breed of Singapore fans have emerged: Young, passionate and energetic. They stand and sing throughout the whole match. They wave their scarves in choreographed motions. They have a song for every player. They form a giant Singapore flag with their placards (called a ‘tifo’). They have a dream that Singapore football support will reach the epic atmospheres of European & South American stadiums. And they invite you to join them.

Director: Jacen Tan
Additional footage: Ming Toh, Henry Han

New short film: Singapore fans @ AFF Cup 2012

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Singapore are the champions of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup! It’s been a while since the 2007 victory where Kwa Giu (Watch Football), a tribute to the old National Stadium was filmed.

Since then, a new breed of fans have emerged: Young, passionate and energetic. They stand and sing throughout the whole match. They wave their scarves in choreographed movements. They form a giant Singapore flag with their placards (called a ‘tifo’). They have a chant for every player.

Other passive fans might say they are ‘sibeh die hard’ or even complain that they are blocking their view. But to me, this is what being a football fan is about. Cheering for the team regardless of win, lose or draw.

Hence Hosaywood’s new project: a mini short film documenting this new football culture, shot in Kwa Giu style. We hope this level of support will spread bigger and wider in Singapore, reaching the fervent atmosphere of European and South American stadiums. Watch out for this film soon. Majulah!

Kwa Giu screening at TNP M-league launch

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Singapore’s long awaited return to the M-league kicks off next week, and The New Paper will be throwing a launch party on 8 Jan 2012. Kwa Giu (Tribute to the National Stadium) will be screened at The New Paper Sports Bar (St James) from 6pm. The event is open to public and expect to see Singapore footballers old and new!

The full 30min film Kwa Giu (Hokkien for ‘Watch Football’) is out now on the Hosaywood DVD.

Hosaywood DVD review on A Nutshell Review

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Hosaywood DVD has been A Nutshell Reviewed:

“Fans of local short films rejoice, as Jacen Tan of Hosaywood has finally gotten his collection of shorts compiled into a DVD. Probably one of the earliest local filmmakers who had his short film go viral like an epidemic on the Internet before the YouTube days…

On KWA GIU: From the pre-kick off happenings outside the stadiums with the selling of fan made merchandise and finger foods, to the vocal support of the Singapore Lions when the game is underway, with half time loo interludes and body refueling from the snack bar, right down to lights off, Jacen and Team captured them all, preserving what would be precious memories of how a single location became the melting pot for Singaporeans from all walks of life, there for the sole mission to support our football team (and having a field day while at it), complete with cheers, jeers, and rocking drum beats.

It’s as much a tribute to the National Stadium, as it is to the Singapore Football (Diehard) Fan.”

Read the full review here.

National Anthem at last full-house match

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After 16 years, Singapore is returning to the Malaysia Cup in 2012. Meanwhile here’s fans singing the National Anthem at the last ever full-house National Stadium match. Kwa Giu (Watch Football), a documentary tribute to the Singapore National Stadium, will be released in Aug 2011, in the Hosaywood DVD.

Singapore Short Film Awards 2011 + Poster Exhibition

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The 2nd Singapore Short Film Awards happens this week Feb 28 to March 6 2011 at The Substation, Singapore.

An entire week of short film screenings showcasing all Sg shorts made in 2010. Admission by donation, see here for details.
There will also be Singapore’s first film poster exhibition held at the ground floor of Substation!

You may also view the posters online and vote for your fav, including our TAK GIU and KWA GIU posters here.

“I once told a friend I wanted to put up an exhibition of about 100 posters of Singapore films over the last 5 years perhaps. The first thing she said was Singapore got so many films meh?’’
– Jeremy Sing, organiser and founder of SINdieonly