Ending “the torch” - what light remains

For more than one and a half years “The Torch” has been engaged in an effort to promote a heightened awareness and a more profound understanding (and with it, hopefully, a better appreciation) of film aesthetics as per 21^st century requirements. In the course of so doing, it touched upon many deeply sensitive issues. By keeping a clear focus on current developments in exemplary Singapore its objective has always been twofold: to answer the specific and to extract and explain the general type.

Methodically, it has never attempted to profess any dogmatism, or to be exclusive. Rather, its pursuit has been from the outset to try and instigate an open and qualified debate about what it is that defines film as an art form and what it requires us, who are involved in some way or another in its making, to always bear in mind, to never lose sight of and to be uncompromising about. Although this column has run its course now, the case which it has been but a humble part of remains open and continues to be in need of further reviewing. As it is with every kind of legacy, however small, that it is those who come after who will determine its worth, so “The Torch” may very well be carried on in private or in public by someone else – as with hope, the passion lighting it will not cease to shine!

My heartfelt gratitude to a most perfect host-site, that brilliant and forever friendly link, Sinema.sg! The salute can be found: here.

(pic©mo)