Animal welfare group SOSD Singapore has teamed up with local filmmakers to produce Homebound, a collection of five short films that spotlight rescue dogs in Singapore. Inspired by true events, Homebound explores themes of life, love, and loss, highlighting the often-overlooked and misunderstood canine companions.
The films, which will premiere on Oct 30 at a charity screening at the Conrad Centennial Singapore, are executively produced by veteran filmmaker Daniel Yun and directed by five directors, Rui En, Lawrence Wong (of Story of Yanxi Palace fame), Tejas Ewing, Jason Lee and co-directors Jeremy Kieran Ng and Zhang Minhua. Homebound marks the directorial debut of both Rui En and Wong.
The films feature SOSD’s shelter dogs—Brandon, Flubby, Lengzai, Sniper, and Stevie—who portray Esky, Echo, Bacon, Frida, and Friday No. 2. Joining these Singapore specials on screen are actors Andie Chen, Lim Meijiao, Oon Shu An, Remesh Panicker, Shabir Sulthan, Toh Han Wei, Ya Hui, and Yeo Yann Yann.
“The Homebound project highlights the plight of stray animals and unwanted pets in Singapore, and the work volunteers do to help them. With the films, we endeavour to showcase the loving nature of stray animals, and cultivate a compassionate and caring society,” says Dr Siew Tuck Wah, founder of SOSD. Dr Siew’s dog, Bacon, inspired one of the short films.
“Each short film describes a situation, through which we can get a glimpse into the larger animal welfare landscape in Singapore. Through the films, we hope to inspire more to step up and volunteer their time and efforts towards helping the homeless animals,” he adds.
“I attended the annual SOSD fundraising charity gala last year and was inspired by the stories from the founders and volunteers of how they cared for our street dogs,” says Yun. “I realised our Singapore specials, our street dogs, are not top-of-mind, and may be misunderstood. Gathering filmmakers to shine a light on their stories is something I can do and with the right directors, do well.”
