Mon 10 Aug 2009: 9.30pm – Ivan Polunin’s 1950’s & 1960’s images of Singapore on “Lost Images,” Channel Okto

From Okto Nite:”LOST IMAGES

“Like cracking open a time capsule holding memories of a bygone era, LOST IMAGES presents for the time in Singapore, never seen before footage of our culture and wildlife from as far back as the 50s.

Captured exquisitely on 16mm film, this only known colour film of this period in existence is astonishing in colour, clarity and rich in a variety of subjects, and offers a peek into a lost world.

Take a walk down memory lane at one of the many kampong neighbourhoods that used to dot the island and relive the excitement of spectators at the New Year Sea Sports held along Collyer Quay.

Meet the many Singaporeans who lived in those times and places as they take you on a remarkable journey down memory lane, through their unique personal stories, sharing firsthand accounts of what life was like then.

Above all, get up close and personal with the man behind the lens, Dr. Ivan Polunin. Between 1950 and 1973, Dr. Ivan Polunin, a British physician and a part-time documentary cinematographer for the BBC, shot hours of scenes from Singapore’s colourful society and culture and this vast collection is now revealed for the first time in this documentary feature.

The historical value of this unique and rare archive cannot be overestimated. Contrasted with the amazing changes of our country today, this retrospective documentary will no doubt shine a light on Singapore’s rich, visual history.”