Tag: blogger event

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For the Geeks I See I Write

Nokia N8 – A Promising First Look

Some of you have asked if I have had the opportunity to touch and feel the upcoming Noka N8.  I would have, had I not missed the last few Nokia blogger events.  Some personal commitments still take priority.  And thanks to your inquiries, I have gathered enough courage to give Text100 a ring to see if a demo can be arranged with the Nokia team.  This post is a brief write-up based on my hands on experience with a Nokia N8.  There will be a follow-up article after I have received the review unit, within this week or so.

Before you continue reading this post, I would like to share a stop-motion animation video with you, shot on a Nokia N8 by Sumo Science at Aardman.  I was skeptical initially because there are many mobile or handheld recording devices that claim to produce amazing video quality.  But this one is special.  On top of that, it is an entertaining short clip.  Watch it on HD if you can.

N8 comes with a new design.  Slimmer, as you can see.  The casing is made of high quality aluminium.  During the demo, the Nokia product manager took out his keys and made some insane scratches onto the phone.  My heart sank as I saw the scratch marks.  And then he used his hand to rub them off.  The phone was good as new.  I probably would not try that on my phones.  But I think the point is made.  Onto the glass surface, I am told that N8 uses gorilla glass – something of a higher spec.  Fortunately, he did not smash the phone in order to show me how durable it is.  Nothing that dramatic.  I am willing to take his words for it.

The crown jewel of the N8, perhaps is the high quality camera, the vibrant screen display, and the HD capability.  The lens is Carl Zeiss Tessar optics with a xenon flash.  The sensor is 12 megapixels.  Video capturing up to HD 720p.  I have seen some of the scenic photos on the Nokia product manager’s personal phone and the details look promising, even when zoomed in.  I love the new and slick photo browser.  I was tempted to ask him to show me photos of those girls he took in a party but I resisted.  Not too professional eh?  Back to the phone, image quality does come with a trade-off on the overall design.  The lens mounting area at the back does not appear to flow with the overall slim design of the phone as the package requires a certain minimal thickness.  However, if the phone does capture images as good as those I have seen (and videos like the one showcased above), I can happily live with that.

New to the Nokia suite of phones is the USB on the go.  It is one nifty functionality.  There is a dongle provided to connect the N8 to a USB thumb drive, even to another phone for data transfer.  Taking about connectivity, there is another dongle that connects the N8 to a flat panel TV via HDMI cable for HD video playback of a good range of formats.  The N8 plays Web TV too.  Installed with the phone are some of the more popular channels such as CNN, National Geography, and E! Entertainment.  There are local channels like Channel News Asia.  If Cynthia gets to read this, she would likely to further monopolize our home TV to watch YouTube and web TV online via the phone on our TV.  Nightmare!

Nokia N8 is powered by the new Symbian^3 operating system.  The phone supports the popular “pinch-to-zoom” function like other mobile and laptop devices these days.  There are three home screens, each comes with 6 widgets.  The capacitive touch (by heat) seems OK in terms of responsiveness.  Probably need a bit of getting used to.  It is precise enough to recognize the Chinese character input by strokes.  Rotating the phone seems responsive in switching between landscape and portrait modes.  There is auto-switching between a full size virtual keyboard and a virtual traditional phone pad depending on orientation.  Nokia N8 comes with the free OVI Maps too.  I have always enjoy using their free navigation service.  Note that Nokia N8’s battery is now concealed by the casing.  Whether this is a wise move or not, perhaps too early to say (so long as I don’t need to pull out the battery to switch off the phone should it hangs due to unstable apps that I install, I am OK with that because batteries these days last).  5 colors are available here in Singapore.  They are dark grey, silver white, green, blue, and orange.

Nokia N8 is now available for pre-order in Singapore. If you have queries, write to me or drop me a comment here.  To pre-order, you can visit the SingTel site at www.singtel.com/n8 or the Nokia pre-order site at www.nokia.com.sg/n8 and click on the “pre-order” tab.

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I See I Write

Transforming Into National Art Gallery, Singapore

Early last month, I have attended a blogger event at the former Supreme Court and City Hall that soon to be transformed into the new National Art Gallery.  Now that the media embargo is lifted, I am here to share with you some photos I have taken, a fly-through video made by the National Art Gallery team, and an opportunity to sign-up for a guided tour to visit this heritage site before the transformation.  From what I envisage so far, this is monumental.  I am proud that we are adding an iconic museum in Singapore … right in front of the F1 track.  Perhaps I shall start drawing some F1 inspired paintings and get them exhibited in National Art Gallery one day.  Ha!

The event was in the late evening.  The rain lately had cast doubt on whether we could admire the sunset from the former Supreme Court.  Fortunately, the weather held up.  After a brief buffet meal by the tall glass windows sealed by the authority that overlooked Padang, we were invited into a conference room and had the opportunity to hear more about the future of National Art Gallery.

Our guided tour began with a climb to the dome of the former Supreme Court.  It was quite an adventure on its own.  The narrow steel spiral staircase looked old – I suppose it comes with the heritage of time – and after going through what appeared as the internal roofing of the building vaguely lit up by some flood lights, we emerged at the bottom of the dome (photo as above).  There were some flying animals in the dark.  We exited the dome and were greeted by the skyline of Singapore.  The business district and the nearby historical buildings.  What a beautiful sight!

OK.  By the time we came down, I thought the tour was almost over (as we had a fair bit of climbing, a fair bit of chit-chat).  But there was a lot more to come as the visit to the dome was especially prepared for the bloggers and media friends – a prelude!  We have visited the Chef Justice’s Court Room and his private chambers.  We have taken the route of the alleged offenders through the tunnels that linked the court rooms and the cells.  We have also visited the “grandest room” in Singapore where the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Forces and where our first Prime Minister and Cabinet took their Oaths of Allegiance to the State.  If you too wish to experience these rare moments in time, you may wish to sign up for the open house event.  Due to overwhelming response, National Art Gallery has added new slots for the English guided tour on 16 and 17 October 2010.  Ready your cameras and witness part of our history!  I too have taken some photos and have included the captions here for sharing.

  1. This dome shaped structure is mysteriously beautiful at night.  To be honest, I was puzzled by what the flying animals were.  I tried not to open my mouth as I looked up.  But it was hard.
  2. This is the skyline of Singapore as seen at the dome.  Below us, the preparation work for F1 had begun.  I tried to beg for a standing space during the Singapore F1 race.  But that did not work.
  3. This stone was laid on April 1937.  I was told that underneath the stone was a mysterious item to be retrieved in 3000 AD.  I wish I had pay more attention to the guided tour on what it is.  If you do visit the guided tour, drop me a comment here on what it is please?
  4. This is quite a scary walk.  We were led from the courtroom, through the tunnels, and into the prison cells.  It was the first time I saw a door not standing vertically but laying flat on the floor.
  5. OK.  Here we went.  As you can see, I was the first one being escorted into this high security area.  I gently reminded the beloved tour guide not to close the gate behind me.  I still wanted to go home and see my wife tonight, I said to her.
  6. This, my friends, is a real life prison cell.  The toilet flashing system is outside the cell, triggered by the guards I suppose.  The organizer joked that we could spend a night here.  Erm.  No thank you?
  7. Looking up at the ceiling of the courtroom, I marveled at the elegance.  However, imagine when this courtroom was in operation, the last thing people would see was the ceiling, I reckon.  Order!  Order!
  8. This is a library.  I cannot wait to see how this beautiful area will be transformed into when National Art Gallery is completed.

Curious on what the new museum will look like?  Below is an artist interpretation of the museum, courtesy of National Art Gallery.  More details can be found in here.

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Comedy Movie Reviews

Dinner for Schmucks – Laughed Till My Face Went Numb

Again, thanks to Omy.sg, we were invited for an exclusive preview of “Dinner for Schmucks” at Iluma.  I think Omy.sg loves me, and I love Omy.sg the same.  I picked “Schmucks” because it is mid week and I reckon I need some comedy.  The movie is not perfect.  But it delivers.  Cynthia and I had a hearty fun time.

We love Steve Carell, the 40 years old virgin and the Tripplehorns.  And in “Schmucks”, he plays the role of an idiot.  Or so it seems by and large as there is a deeper debate on who are the schmucks, which I would not want to spoil your fun watching this movie.  Steve is a talented comedian.  He can play any role and be convincing.  We also love the other lead actor Paul Rudd who has acted in “I Love You, Man”.  If you enjoy watching Western comedy, putting the two together can be quite a treat.  The surprise to us is the talented New Zealander Jemaine Clement from “Flight of the Concords“.  His airtime in this movie is way too little.  I really wish that he had a more significant role to play.  The spooky yet hilarious Kristen Schaal too from “Concords” is also involved in this movie, together with a quality team of comedians too long to be listed here.

From the story writing point of view, “Schmucks” is not going to be memorable.  Rarely comedy films do.  The middle part of this 114 minutes film could be quite awkward to watch, though hilarious.  Because it can be quite … stupid (the young girl next to me were laughing and screaming “It is so stupid” at the same time, all the time – which is quite funny on its own).  The good news is that it has a quality ending and some of the jokes are original.  And if you are not in a hurry to leave the theater at the end of the show (interestingly many people here do), there is a tiny bit of extra clip after the end credits.

If I could single out one thing I wish to complement, that would be those miniaturized mouse models.  So beautifully made, so heartwarming / heart wrenching to look at.  I seriously think that the filmmakers should sell the replicas of these models as merchandise.  I would want to get some.  The choice of soundtrack is good too.  Need a good brainless laugh?  I doubt “Schmucks” would disappoint.  I laughed till my face went numb.

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I See I Write Photography

2010 SingTel F1 Grid Girls Crowning Party – A Media Event

What a great media event!  I mean, fast cars and pretty women should go side by side with one another.  I am an avid fan of Formula One and have been watching every single match on TV.  Singapore circuit is special.  Not only because it is a night race, an anti-clockwise circuit, but also because the race takes place in the city, along the beautiful marina.

So what do F1 grid girls do?  Good question.  I met one of my fellow bloggers at the party.  To me, grid girls are there to hold the flags before the race.  And they are there to clap and welcome the winners at the end of the race.  Beyond that, I have no idea what they do.  My buddy is the hilarious one.  He said there have been rumors that …

Anyway, the venue of the event was at Shanghai Dolly, Clarke Quay.  I seldom write about the event venue (because most are just standard).  I think Shanghai Dolly is a lovely venue.  Great decoration and the house band is simply mesmerizing.  I will be back, for sure.

12 SingTel F1 grid girls, 3 group performances followed by questions for the individual.  I am surprised that no one answered world peace.  I think one girl has a rather noble answer and she went on winning the top grid girl award.  At 10 pm, the winner of SingTel Grid Girls 2010 was announced.  Mabel Lau has won the title, got herself a S$10,000 cheque from SingTel, and will be holding our Singapore flag on the race day.  OK.  I can understand why she wins.  Probably the most photogenic of all.  Personally, I like the 2nd runner up too.  In any case, we will see them on TV during the weekend of 24th to 26th September.

Back to F1, I am being asked a lot of time on which team I support or who is my favorite F1 driver.  The thing about motor racing is that viewers have very short term memory.  The last race’s winner is always the hero – in this case, Alonso.  Webber in this season has pulled off some of the most amazing stuns (and is marginally leading the championship).  Button has won the championship last year, looks like he is still in the game.  And Hamilton, what a committed driver – when he has a competitive car.  I wish he can win this season.  Having said that, I would be delighted if any of four could win.

Where are the photos?  You must be asking.  Well, I have worked double hard and pushed out the contents within a few hours after the event.  Hot from the oven.  Just for you!

Notes:

  • I haven’t got time to narrate the photos.  But they are very much self-explanatory – I hope.
  • Those who carried flowers are the top 3 girls.
  • I wish I could devote the same amount of attention to all 12 grid girls.  But I am a man.  My attention takes direction from my …
  • The girl who doesn’t look like a grid girl won herself a gift from SingTel after some intense competition on the stage that involved … dancing.
  • The girl who was holding the mic is from the house band.  She has one amazing voice.
Categories
Drama Movie Reviews

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – A Worthy Sequel

Thanks to Omy.sg, we have received a pair of tickets to watch the world premiere of “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” at our favorite cinema in town – The Cathay.  I can’t remember when I watched the original film “Wall Street (1987)” on rental (I am really not that old) as my memory on the plot was fuzzy.  It would be a good idea to grab a copy and refresh your mind before September 23, when the sequel is opened in theaters.  You may get more kicks from this sequel.

Michael Douglas has won an Oscar for his role in “Wall Street (1987)”.  His return on this sequel as Gordon Gekko comes with great expectation.  I was fully engrossed by his performance throughout the movie.  That fire in his eyes, that emotion.  Some scenes moved me.  British actress Carey Mulligan plays the role of Gordon’s daughter, Winnie.  I love her performance in the award winning movie “An Education“.  And she is a worthy supporting actress for Michael Douglas in this movie – father and daughter in an estranged relationship.  In “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”, Josh Brolin picks up the role as the villain – a hedge fund managing partner.  For some strange reason, I think he has played the role well because his character reminds me of some real life people whom I know and are of that caliber or social status.  In comparison, Shia LaBeouf’s performance as the trader, Jake, may not be as memorable.  But as a whole, the movie has a strong casting.

The beauty of this movie, to me, is the background of the story.  Set during the financial crisis in 2008, the story begins with the collapse of a financial institute that reminds me as part Bear Stearns and part Lehman Brothers, the government’s bail out process, and then the sub-prime crisis that leads to a wider collapse of the banking system.  As someone who is working in this industry and have friends and colleagues who were affected by the financial crisis, this movie captures the sentiment and the background well – the free fall of stock prices, the painful nationalization process.  It relived my memory.  When we now talk about sub-prime, it seems so far away.  But that was only two years ago.

I don’t think that “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” is positioned as a movie primarily to entertain – solid acting aside (although I must say that I was excited by the crisis in the movie while Cynthia didn’t quite feel the same).  And the financial aspect of the story may be challenging for some to follow.  The movie to me is reflective in nature.  For example, through the three main characters – Gordon, Winnie, and Jake – the movie has explored the different aspects of “money does not matter (then what does?)”.  We seem to have a different definition of what money is for.  And there is this concept of moral hazard when no one is responsible in managing money.  The movie also prompts us to reflect upon the economic bubbles that we have created time and time again dated all the way back to the days of tulips (?!).  The movie even attempts to predict what the next bubble would be (wouldn’t it be funny if that turns out to be true?).  The most memorable part of this 133 minutes long movie?  The very dialog that gives forth its title.  For those of you who are going to watch to show, please pay attention to the beginning and ending narration and drop me a comment here on what you think of it for I don’t fully get what the narrator is trying to say.  Thanks in advance!

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For the Geeks

Flip Video – A Video Recording And Sharing Device That Fits Into Your Pocket

It is a coincidence that most of my recent entries are technology related.  I promise I will go back to my write-ups on outer-V and mascara, eyeliner and angled brush in no time.

One evening, I have attended a blogger event hosted by Cisco in one of the restaurants at Vivocity.  Centered to this event is a new video recording and sharing device called “Flip Video”.  Do I take videos?  Of course I do.  I have a camcorder that takes video during my holiday trips.  I have a digital camera that takes video during some of my oil painting and music playing sessions.  I have a mobile phone that takes and shares video on the go.  So, how would a “Flip Video” fit into the picture?

“Flip Video” is tiny, simple to use.  In fact, the moment I got hold of the test device, I was taking video straight the way.  Each device can take up to 2 hours worth of video in 1280 x 720 resolution (30 frames per second), which is more or less how long the battery would last as I was told.  There is an HDMI jack for you to output to your television.  And it can be plugged directly into a computer via USB without the need of a cable.  Once the device is plugged into a PC or Mac, as I have seen at the demo booth, uploading video clips for online sharing is a breeze.  There is a software called FlipShare that converts the clips into an optimal form and size and uploads the clips directly to Facebook, YouTube, or MySpace with just a few clicks.  If you are concerned about privacy, there is a FlipShare website for you to share your videos privately with your friends and family.  You can perform some basic editing within the application as well.  Sounds good so far?

I have given some thoughts on what I would use it for.  “Flip Video” does not replace a camcorder or even a digital camera if video quality is what I am going after.  But it is tiny and can be carried around quite easily.  Comparing the output from “Flip Video” with the same video clip I took using my Nokia N900, the color does not seem to be as vibrant and the picture does not seem to be as sharp (perhaps due to the lens quality?).  Having said that, the skin tone taken by the “Flip Video” appears to be more natural and if HD format means something to you, “Flip Video” recording comes with a decent resolution and frame rate.

One interesting point to note is that you can mount the “Flip Video” onto a tripod, or any mounting devices (one looks like a spider).  That is something – as far as I know – none of the mobile devices can do.  Use your imagination and it can be pretty handy.  You could mount the “Flip Video” onto the handlebar of your mountain bike and document those wonderful and humanly impossible maneuvers for sharing because no one can understand or visualize what you are raving about (yes, Robert, I am talking to you!).  You could mount the “Flip Video” onto the spoiler of your car and pretend that you are a F1 driver on ESPN sport channel.  You could self-directing your, erm, home movie at ease because you can mount the “Flip Video”onto a tripod and no longer need to creatively look out for where to put your mobile phone.

And etc.

“Flip Video” is made by Cisco and is selling at S$349.  What do you think?  Is it something you would want to carry with you?  What type of video would you shoot with it?

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For the Geeks

Sony Ericsson Backstage Event

Last week I have attended a Sony Ericsson blogger event and got a chance to ‘speed date’ some of their recent and upcoming devices.  I must say, the last time I owned a Ericsson phone was more than a decade ago.  Back then, seemed like everyone around me was either holding a Ericsson 688 or that banana-Matrix phone.  Back then, battery packs were easily changeable.  Even the antennas.  Look how far wireless phones have evolved.  It never ceases to amaze me whenever I stop and ponder upon it.

Forward to 2010, the five Sony Ericsson phones I have had brief moments with are the Google Andriod powered Xperia X10 mini pro, Xperia X10 mini, Xperia X10 and the Vivaz and Vivaz pro (picture above from left to right).  I suppose if you are into Google Andriod, Xperia series may be your cup of tea.  For those who are familiar with the Symbian OS, you may feel at home with the Vivaz series that is able to capture media in HD format.  Sony Ericsson Vivaz comes with a 8.1 megapixel camera while the pro version comes with 5.1 megapixel.  I guess with a QWERTY keyboard, there are some trade-offs users have to make.  But still, 5.1 megapixel is pretty decent, in the context of wireless phones.

During the blogger event, quite a few of us fell in love with the Xperia mini and its little brother “pro” that comes with a keypad.  The pro version does remind me those cute little phones that were used in the TV series Gossip Girl, as one good friend of mine has pointed out.  The colorful mini series is designed with simplicity in mind, easily operable with one hand.  At the four corners are the shortcuts for popular functions.  As for me, I prefer larger screen – like the Xperia X10.  4 inches large with a resolution of 480×854.  That is pretty impressive.  I have yet to fully understand how do the Timescape and Mediascape work in real life.  There is this “infinite button” – a magic button that helps you organize your contact communications and favorite friends and artists related contents within and beyond your phone.

So tell me, are you a Sony Ericsson fan?  How do you like your Sony Ericsson phone?

Categories
I See I Write

The Story Of Yeh Chi Wei – Singapore Art Museum

At the opening ceremony of “The Story of Yeh Chi Wei”, it is heartwarming to hear the late artist’s granddaughter giving a speech on Mr. Yeh Chi Wei’s art and the effort in putting an exhibition together – works by Yeh and works by The Ten Men Group (a community led by Yeh).  It must have been a proud evening for the Yeh’s family as well as Yeh’s fellow artists to see this collection artwork displayed in one of Singapore’s museums.  There is a strong essence of Southeast Asia style in Yeh’s work as he was used to organize painting trips to different locations in the region and exhibit their works together after the trips.  Yeh taught art for 22 years in Singapore and passed away in 1981.

As an Asian, some of the themes I can quite readily relate, which is always a good start in attempting to appreciate the art.  I in particularly am drawn to the usage of powerful black color contrasted with muted colors.  That intensity.  Below are some of the photos I took during the opening event.  As for the event itself, Cynthia and I really appreciate the school kids stationed in front of the key exhibits explaining the artwork to the visitors.  They have done a great job and we love it.  Back to the exhibition, catch “The Story of Yeh Chi Wei” now at the Singapore Art Museum from May 27 to September 12, 2010.

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For the Geeks Game Reviews

Barking Seed Is One Mobile Games Community To Look Out For

Last week, I have had the opportunity to meet with one of the Indie game developers Breakdesign through a blogger event.  Originally from South African, now based in Singapore, it is inspiring to meet the co-founder of Breakdesign Rick and his team talking about game development with so much passion.  If indeed one of their visions is to offer free mobile gaming to all parts of the world – rich and the not so rich – looking at the latest list of top countries in the battle arena, I think they have more or less achieved that.

Mobile gaming is not new.  But what is special about this Indie game developer is the mobile games community they have created – “Barking Seed”.  Imagine, each time the game is over, you are given the opportunity to upload your score to their website, perhaps add a little comment to shout to the world.  You play to be amongst the top players.  And you play to represent your country as one of the top, stand a chance to win phones and accessories.  Just how additively fun this concept is?  During the blogger event, as our scores were posted to the website in real time, none of us were talking.  We – guys and girls – were going all out to score.

I have tried out three of their games on my touchscreen phone.  These are Flash games – responsive, pretty to look at, and does not take long to play.  Good soundtracks too.  “Monsterilla” (featured above) is my favorite.  It is a colorful puzzle game that has a strong appeal to either sexes.  There is another game that you keep squishing roaches (erm … I know) until you are overwhelmed.  It does get pretty intense and Cynthia got a real shock when she accidentally looked into my screen.  So many crawling roaches!  Looking at “That Roach Game” at a philosophical level, I agree with the co-founder Rick.  You just can’t win.  The third game I have tried is “Ninjani”.  Guys would love this.  This game tests your reaction time as well as your anticipation skill.  The fact that you can get better as you play repeatedly perhaps makes “Ninjani” one of the most addictive games of the three.

I look forward to more new game releases for the community “Barking Seed”.  I have high hope for them.  Three years it has taken this small team to bring this innovative offering to the world.  I still have no clue on how they generate revenue when the games are free and come with no advertisements.  Only time will tell.  Meanwhile, if you have a Nokia phone, head to OVI Store and download these free games.  If you have not heard of OVI Store – surprisingly many friends of mine who use Nokia phones fall into that category – there are many free applications and games for grab.  Have fun with these featured Flash games and good luck in winning!  As for me, I am going to work Cynthia hard and win me some “Monsterilla” points using my login ID.  Girls are supposed to be better at this sort of cute colorful puzzle games, yes?

External Links: Barking Seed Community Site and Breakdesign Corporate Site.

Categories
I See I Write

Don’t Miss the 20th European Union Film Festival Here In Singapore (May 6-16)!

I love to watch European films.  What a coincident that Cynthia and I were invited to a blogger event for the 20th European Union Film Festival.  We had no clue why the event was hosted at Spain Embassy Residence.  Today, I read that Spain is the current rotating Presidency of the EU.  Now I know!  Last year about this time, Cynthia was here to apply a visa for our holiday in Spain.  And since we are learning Spanish, we took the opportunity to converse with our hosts from the embassy.  If they were surprised that some of us spoke Spanish during the event, Cynthia was as surprised when one of the Spanish staffs spoke Bahasa Indonesia with her.  The power of the ability to speak in one’s native language.  The bonding is instant.

Spain Embassy is located in Suntech City.  High floor.  The night view from the embassy is breathtaking, especially when the light was switched off during the presentation of one of the featured films.  I stopped for a moment admiring the beauty of our city, the progress of our society.  While I can’t pinpoint what Singaporean culture is exactly, I think many Singaporeans have worked hard for what we have built today.  As tangible as those high-rise commercial building, as intangible as the financial infrastructure that powers our growth.  And when the film started playing, I was as though being transported away from this city of ours and into somewhere in Europe – so drastically different.  Our hosts have highlighted that European films portray a slice of Europe’s diverse and rich culture.  That sums up well on why I love to watch European films.

Tickets are selling at Golden Villiage VivoCity.  Come join me for the festival!

*     *     *     *     *

“Irina Palm” is a tragicomedy film about a 50 years old widow desperately in need of money for her grandson’s medical treatment.  Stumbled upon a sex shop, she is offered a job that makes about 600 to 800 pounds a week.  Quite honestly, I have no idea how the number adds up.  It is humorous in parts when you get to watch the main actress Marianne Faithfull taking us through, shall I say, the “technical” details of the job.  In other parts, it is pretty tragic.  Such emotional acting between the characters.  The job, the realization of how one’s talent can earn a decent amount of money, the transformation from being poor and desperate to coming to term with the reality, “Irina Palm” is a heartwarming film to watch.  While the topic of this film could be a taboo in some societies, it serves as a reminder to how diverse cultures are at a global level.  If you watch this with an open mind, you would enjoy the film like Cynthia and I do.

“Irina Palm” will be filming at GV Vivocity on May 8 (Sat) at 7pm.  Check out the rest of the program too.  There are 16 films of various topics to choose from. 

External Site: EU Film Festival 2010 Website.