In an exclusive report, it has been revealed that production has concluded on Charlotte Hong’s inaugural film venture, “Tropical Rain, Death Scented Kiss,” filmed across locations in Singapore and the United States.
This innovative animated and live-action blend is situated within an apocalyptic rendition of Singapore, transitioning into a realm inhabited by ethereal beings. Amidst this backdrop, a poignant romance unfolds as a marginalized lesbian teenager grapples with confessing her emotions to her enigmatically resurrected best friend.
Headlined by Shi An Lim, the film is a collaborative effort between Singapore’s Momo Film Co, the Philippines’ Daluyong Studio, and the US-based Total Blur, in conjunction with True Colour Media and Purple Tree Content. Notably, “Tropical Rain, Death Scented Kiss” previously received accolades, including a special mention at the Singapore International Film Festival’s Southeast Asian Film Lab and Talents Tokyo, with support from the Singapore Film Commission and Talents Tokyo Next Masters Support Program.
Following their triumph with “Dreaming and Dying,” which clinched the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival, producers Sophia Sim and Tan Si En spearhead this latest endeavor alongside Giuliana Foulkes.
“We are dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and non-binary individuals, both in front of and behind the camera,” remarked producers Sim and Tan in a joint statement. “The prospect of bringing ‘Tropical Rain, Death Scented Kiss’ to life, with its distinctive and diverse narrative, fills us with anticipation. Collaborating with such exceptional talents from Singapore and the US has been an enriching experience.”
Presently, the film enters the post-production phase under the stewardship of Natalie Soh, a distinguished alumna of Berlinale Talents. Soh, renowned for her outstanding editing prowess, garnered acclaim with the Best Editing accolade at the 2017 Asian Film Awards for “Apprentice” and the 2017 Apollo Awards for the dark fantasy series “Halfworlds 2.”
