This is a continuation of our interview with Eric Khoo and Edward Khoo, whose film Spirit World recently had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). In the second part of the interview, we talked more generally about storytelling, Eric Khoo’s filmmaking journey, and the future of Singapore cinema.
So Eric, you’ve done films for a long time now and your films often reflect Singaporean life and culture. Spirit World, however, takes on a more global angle, featuring characters from different countries and cultures. How did this affect your approach to storytelling?
ERIC: It’s because I’m working with him (Edward)! *laughs* So he wrote this beautiful, evergreen love affair with music. It’s a very positive work. Deep down, I’ve always been somewhat curious.
When I first connected with Catherine during a Japanese lunch in Paris, I asked, “So what do you think happens after you die?” And she looks at me and goes, “It doesn’t end.” And I knew that we were on the right track cos we’re all wondering and searching. But we also didn’t want to make it too complex or give out too many details because we don’t know what they are. So it’s better to be a bit more general.
In most cultures, when somebody passes away, whether you’re Chinese or a Westerner, you do feel that maybe the spirit lingers on. Japan definitely lends itself to that sort of spiritual mood. The Japanese believe in Shintoism – that everything has a soul. And we felt that nature was actually working with us during filming. Because we work for 5 days, then we have a 2-day break. And every time it’d rain during the 2-day break. But when we’re filming, the skies would light up for us!
Looking back on your journey as a filmmaker, from Mee Pok Man to Spirit World, what do you feel has evolved most in your filmmaking process? Are there any recurring themes or stylistic choices that you feel define your work?
ERIC: You always see a ghost. And with this, I think I just went all the way because it’s a story about ghosts. I’ve always been a romantic about love and finding your soulmate and I thought…
Wouldn’t it be nice if you don’t have someone when you’re alive to really love but in the spirit world, you find that one true love?
That to me is romantic and inspiring.
And my mother was always instrumental in me falling in love with cinema because she’d bring me to see horror movies when I was a little boy. And sometimes I feel like she’s whispering in my ear. It was unfortunate that she was unable to see any of my feature films because she passed away many years ago.
You’ve directed films in various genres, including horror, drama, and even animation! So what’s next?
ERIC: I think I want to direct a paranormal film that’s scary. I’ve produced some but I’m thinking of directing one next. A bit like The Sixth Sense. Sort of creepy but with heart. There’s a Spanish film called The Orphanage that you should check out if you like horror. We also produced an Indonesian horror film called Darah. When you look at the level of production coming from Indonesia, it’s amazing.
So, I’ll end with sort of a generic question. We’ve seen how Singapore cinema has become more internationally recognized over the years. How do you see the future of filmmaking in Singapore?
ERIC: I think Singapore, although very small, has churned out very promising filmmakers. And you see them platform at the major festivals like Chris Yeo at Venice. It’s brilliant! And I think it’s good to have the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) that is actually supporting these young filmmakers that are going to keep on making quality products.
EDWARD: I feel like there are so many co-productions this year and I think it’s only going to grow as long as the support from SFC makes it attractive for co-productions outside of Singapore to work with Singaporeans and vice-versa. And without sounding corny, I think when you broaden your horizons with other artists, the films become more interesting. At the end of the day, these filmmakers just want to tell stories and it doesn’t have to be landlocked to Singapore.
ERIC: And I think for Singapore to grow, it has to open up. If you’re making a film just for Singaporeans, the only one who can do it is Jack Neo!
EDWARD: When you see the programme booklets at festivals, you’re just going to see more flags next to the Singapore flag. Although I also think there’s a ceiling to that because you know that saying – too many cooks spoil the broth.
ERIC: We’ve been very fortunate because we have full control over our productions. The actors give suggestions and all that, which I’m always willing to listen to, but we weren’t forced to change anything. I think a lot of them trusted in what we were doing and what we had. And I think trust goes a long way.
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We’d like to thank Eric Khoo and Edward Khoo for their time to sit down with us for this interview! Thank you for flying the Singapore flag high, and we’re already looking forward to all the future films.
Spirit World premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. There’s no release date yet for Singapore but you can read our review of the movie here.