Nelicia Low's Inspiring Transition

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Nelicia Low. Once a national fencer representing Singapore, she is now basking in the acclaim of her debut feature film, Pierce, which has garnered critical praise across prestigious film festivals worldwide. Her remarkable achievement did not go unnoticed at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where she took home the Best Director award – a testament to her talent and dedication.

The Release of Pierce in Singapore

Finally, movie enthusiasts in Singapore can experience Pierce, hitting theaters such as Golden Village and The Projector on November 7. This poignant film, featuring acclaimed Taiwanese actors Liu Hsiu-fu, Tsao Yu-ning, and Ding Ning, explores the emotional narrative of Zijie, a high school fencer who chooses to support his recently released brother Zihan, defying their mother's attempts to conceal their dark past.

Nelicia's Journey into Filmmaking

Catching up with Nelicia Low during a special screening of Pierce, it’s clear that her passion for filmmaking has been a lifelong journey. "I knew long ago, around five or six years old, that I wanted to be a filmmaker," she shares with a twinkle in her eye. "My parents were aware of it too, though they were in denial for a while," she humorously adds.

Fencing to Filmmaking

While many would expect her path to be linear, Low's journey included a remarkable five-year stint as a national fencer, which she delved into during her secondary school years. Low attributes her choice of fencing, not just to athletic pursuits but her love for iconic films like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. Despite her impressive accomplishments in fencing, which culminated at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, she ultimately decided to follow her true passion for filmmaking.

Educational Foundations

Her education played a critical role in her artistic development. Low was fortunate to study film at Raffles Girls' School (RGS) – an experience she describes as groundbreaking. "It opened my eyes to the world of storytelling through cinema. The chance to create my own short film was inspiring," she recalls.

Overcoming Challenges

However, transitioning from dreams to reality wasn't without its challenges. She had moments of self-doubt and felt intimidated by the thought of becoming a filmmaker. “I admired films like Pocahontas and Star Wars, but I thought real filmmaking had to be something larger than life,” she admits. A pivotal conversation with her friends at RGS about pursuing a scholarship shifted her perspective, leading her to study media and communications, participate in a summer program at New York University, and ultimately earn her MFA in film directing from Columbia University.

The Journey of Creating Pierce

Before making waves with Pierce, she directed numerous critically applauded short films, including Freeze, showcased at notable international film festivals. However, creating a feature film is an entirely different beast. Low reveals that she almost quit just days before shooting began due to overwhelming pressure and unforeseen difficulties, partially stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support from Family

In a moment of vulnerability, she contemplated stepping back from her project but was encouraged by her father’s unwavering support over a FaceTime call. “He told me, ‘No, you’re going to finish the film.’ His belief in me was a game-changer,” said Low.

The Reception of Pierce

Despite the hurdles, Pierce has found an adoring audience. At the recent Busan International Film Festival, the film was such a hit that screenings sold out quickly, with viewers eagerly exchanging tickets to ensure they didn’t miss out. “Seeing such enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding for me as a director,” Low expressed.

Praise from the Film Community

Adding to the film's accolades, legendary actor Geoffrey Rush, a jury member at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, praised her work, further amplifying excitement around Pierce.

Looking Ahead to Audience Reactions

Now, as Pierce prepares for its Singapore release, Nelicia Low is eager to witness audience reactions. "The way people connect with these characters reflects their own experiences," she reflects.

Messages Behind Pierce

What does Low hope viewers will take away from her film? "For me, it's all about comfort and connection through storytelling. It raises questions like: What is unconditional love? Does the truth really matter? Ultimately, Pierce is about touching the hearts of people."

Conclusion

As excitement builds for its release on November 7, audiences are ready to embark on an emotional journey with Pierce, entering the mind and heart of a gifted filmmaker who has risen from the world of sports to shine in the cinematic spotlight.