SYFF 2026 Programme 3: Out of Nowhere

Synopsis: Out of Nowhere The mind is a curious place. It is capable of wild imagination, looping us through doubts, and sometimes blurring the line between reality and illusion. These short films invite you on an immersive journey through inner worlds, where thoughts twist, and memories distort. The 5 short films screened (in sequence): 梦游神 (Meng You Shen) by Pan Wenbo / 10:46 min (Consumer Advice: *Some Coarse Language) Two Chinese immigrant youths on the verge of graduation drift between dreams, cyberspace, and real-world Singapore, seeking solace from their mounting anxieties about the future through copious amounts of conversation. We Learn to Breathe in Distant Places by Azina Binte Abdul Nizar / 16:36 min Mahia, a housewife, is caught in a suffocating arranged marriage. Following the disappearance of their son, she ventures into a mysterious forest. Instead, she encounters a young woman and finds herself lost in endless conversations, ontological introspection, and eventually reconnects with her feminine identity through ecological healing. Hao Man by Ong Chee Choon / 17:11 min Alex, a struggling actor and part-time taxi driver, dreams of stardom while being ensnared by financial woes and familial duties. Balancing on the delicate edge between his own aspirations and his responsibilities towards his wife and son, Alex finds himself at a pivotal crossroads. The Beast in the Woods by Benjamin Tan / 5:45 min (Consumer Advice: *Some Violence) As part of his tribe's rite of passage, a young hunter has to prove his worth by hunting down a great beast. However, amidst navigating the hunt and the rituals of his tribe, he confronts his struggles with coming of age, self doubt, and reconciling one's actions with one's conscience. Last Supper by Valerie Theodas / 6:01 min (Consumer Advice: *Some Disturbing Scenes) An overworked Entymologist's obsession with moths leads to the ingestion of a mysaterious mould, catalysing a surreal descent into self-annihilation through futile attempts at purification. Visit https://syff.sg/ for more information There will be a post-screening Q&A. Please note that the screening is a compilation of all 5 short films together and therefore the highest rating, PG13, will apply for admission to the screening. Use the promo code SYFF-FREE to get free tickets from 4 Dec 2025 to 4 Jan 2026!