A Film That Shouldn't Exist

In an industry marred by difficulties, one Singaporean debut director is breaking the mold. Cheng Chai Hong acknowledges in his press kit that his sci-fi comedy, *We Can Save The World!!!*, isn’t meant to be made, yet here it is, defying all expectations.

A Quirky Premise and Unlikely Heroes

Picture this: a disenchanted public servant, Ryan, teams up with a self-proclaimed alien, Peng, in search of a missing doomsday device—all set against the vibrant backdrop of Singapore. Their chaotic escapades unfold as they dodge top-secret agents while Ryan learns that saving the planet doesn’t always require grand gestures, just a helping hand.

Breaking the Mold of Local Cinema

Unlike typical Singaporean films, which often rely on predictable slapstick humor, *We Can Save The World!!!* embraces offbeat comedy and hyperlocal references. Cheng's film stands apart, refusing to be categorized into the usual genres—neither art house nor commercial. He remarks, "As young filmmakers, we’re expected to stay within 'approved' lanes. But sometimes, you must take risks to chase your dreams." This is not just another project; it’s a culture-defying statement in a landscape often constrained by norms.

A Resilient Journey Amidst Closure

Despite the unlikely circumstances, including the closure of popular independent cinema The Projector and Cathay Cineplexes ceasing operations due to financial struggles, Cheng and his team remain undeterred. Their proactive marketing efforts aim to build an audience even before the movie’s release, proving their commitment to the vision.

Authentically Singaporean Language and Culture

Instead of adhering to Mandarin clichés, Cheng insists on capturing authentic Singaporean speech patterns. The result? Characters that resonate with local audiences, showcasing a spectrum of accents that reflect Singapore’s rich tapestry.

An Idiosyncratic View of Singapore

Cheng aims to redefine perceptions of Singapore through *We Can Save The World!!!*. By juxtaposing mundane objects like a blue recycling bin with a leading role in the story, he infuses a quirky imagination that challenges the sterile portrayals usually seen in cinema.

A Call to More Stories from Singaporeans

At the heart of Cheng's mission is a call to action for younger Singaporeans. He urges them to step up and tell stories that reflect their diverse experiences. Cheng believes that cinema can transcend boundaries and tackle the absurdity and uniqueness of everyday life.

Staying True to His Vision

Despite the obstacles, Cheng is determined to forge his path in film. From his early days, he didn’t conform to expectations, and this independence has fueled his creativity. His previous work, the web series *Average Guys*, already hinted at his talent for blending humor with depth—the very essence of his directorial debut.

What's Next for Cheng?

As Cheng moves forward, he finds inspiration from the reception of his work. "Singapore is crying out for stories that are crazier and more creative," he asserts. Now that *We Can Save The World!!!* is complete, he’s set on continuing this adventurous narrative journey.

The Premiere and Future Amidst Uncertainty

*We Can Save The World!!!*, premiered at the New York Asian Film Festival, where it was celebrated as the only fully independent Singaporean feature. With its local release set for September 18, Cheng remains optimistic despite the turbulent cinematic landscape.

Conclusion: A Film That Defines Possibility

Ultimately, Cheng Chai Hong’s journey highlights the potential for innovation in challenging times. This film wasn’t supposed to exist, yet it does—a testament to the unyielding spirit of creativity in Singapore. As the nation searches for its identity on-screen, *We Can Save The World!!!* may just be the breath of fresh air it needs.