5 Restored Shorts by Rajendra Gour

In response to the works of Taro Nakayama, the Asian Film Archive presents the complete restored collection of short films by Singaporean pioneer independent filmmaker Rajendra Gour, who similarly pursued an amateur trajectory spanning experimental fiction and documentary. Five of Gour’s surviving works are presented, reflecting a deeply personal and exploratory approach to filmmaking that moves between observation and abstraction. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into an independent practice shaped outside institutional structures, resonating with Nakayama’s own engagement with form, process, and self-directed production. 

Eyes (1967)

Synopsis

Eyes explores the pain and suffering in the world caused by a lack of understanding amongst mankind. All of this is viewed through the “eyes” of the people of the world.

A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm Eastmancolor print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.

Sight and Desire (Eyes) (1968)

Synopsis

An experimental film that investigates the act of perception and the limits and possibilities through vision. Accompanied by an omniscient narrator and the conjuring of striking imagery, the film examines various conceptual underpinnings of what it means to “see” and what our eyes can truly do.

A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour positive print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2021.

Sunshine Singapore (1972)

Synopsis

Sunshine Singapore features the sights of sunny Singapore set to music. The film carries the hopes of a young filmmaker, the beauty of a young nation, tempered by the familiarity of daily life.

A 4K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour positive print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2018.

Labour of Love: The Housewife (1978)

Synopsis

Labour of Love: The Housewife examines the role of the Asian woman within the realm of the home and the family. It features the boundless work that a housewife must accomplish in a day to run a household and to care for her family. The film is a 1970s feminist take on the perception regarding the economic value of the stay-at-home mother and wife, whose contribution to society is underrated.

A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm colour reversal (with scenes of black & white) print from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.

My Child My Child (1979)

Synopsis

A follow-up to Labour of Love: The Housewife,  My Child My Child begins with a woman reflecting about herself as a person and as a mother. The love and sacrifices she makes for her children are evident as she reminisces the many happy memories spent with them.

A 2K restoration was made possible using a sole-surviving 16mm print made up of both Eastmancolor and colour reversal film stock from the Asian Film Archive Collection (AFA) in 2022.