In Production: ‘The Kallang Roar’2 min read
Reading Time: 2 minutes2008 is lining up to be a bumper year for local productions as another Singaporean production recently kicked off principal photography.
Based on the short film “Kallang Roar” that’s due to premiere at the upcoming Singapore International Film Festival, “Kallang Roar: The Movie” is a nostalgic throwback to Singapore’s bygone soccer renaissance of the late 70’s.
A dramatisation inspired by real-life sporting figures and football heroes Quah Kim Song, Rajagopal, Samad, Mat Noh, Dollah Kassim and forgotten coach Choo Seng Quee, “Kallang Roar: The Movie” is slated for an August release, in a befitting salute to the nation’s sporting glory 25 years back.
Helmed by award-winning Curtin University Film and Television graduate, Chen Ding An, the movie will unfurl around Uncle Choo, as he is affectionately remembered, who, after battling a life threatening onslaught of diabetics, and achieving a record 12 years of Malaysian football supremacy, defiantly returns to the local football scene in 1977 for one last shot at restoring nationalistic pride. “Kallang Roar: The Movie” is a tale about sheer grit, unbreakable will and Uncle Choo’s deep passion, unyielding struggle with society and oneself, to finally attain glory for one’s nation through football.
The film will feature a star studded cast headed by Lim Kay Siu as the regimental, courageous, determined and very imposing unorthodox gem of a coach, Uncle Choo. His role will be supported by Leon Quah, the son of legendary Singapore striker Quah Kim Song, who, interestingly enough, will be playing his father. Mohd Ezaad Abdullah will also be supporting that cast as he too, plays his father Dollah Kassim.
Produced by Singapore’s newcomer to the local filmmaking industry, Merelion Pictures Pte Ltd, “Kallang Roar: The Movie” is its maiden production and has the full backing of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), as well as the Singapore Sports Council (SSC).
So come National Day this year, there will be something exciting to look forward to for all local celluloid enthusiasts and soccer fans alike as we anticipate the opening of “Kallang Roar: The Movie”. For those of you who can’t wait, do check out the short “Kallang Roar”, on which the feature is based, at this year’s SIFF. Sinema Old School is proud to be screening it as part of the SIFF’s Silver Screen Awards.
