AWARE held a charity gala screening of “Singapore Dreaming” on 30 August 2006.

Singapore Dreaming, the creation of Woffles Wu, Colin Goh (of “Talking Fame” fame) and his talented wife, Woo Yen Yen, is regarded by many as one of the best Singapore movies ever made. Colin and Yen Yen have also gained international recognition for this movie as the screenplay was awarded the Montblanc New Screenwriters Award at this year’s San Sebastian International Film Festival.

The film portrays the experiences and challenges of a typical Singaporean family with all its nuances.  It was an apt film for an AWARE charity gala as many of the issues raised in the film have been championed by AWARE through the years.  Further, the main female characters are fully fleshed out, and are all strong in their own way.

President of AWARE, Tan Joo Hymn says, “In the film, there is obvious favouratism towards the boy in the family.  The sister becomes resentful and critical, while he has problems facing reality and shouldering responsibility.  This really does nobody any favours and both siblings are less than what they could potentially have become.”

The film also featured the plight of the ageing mother who like many mothers in Singapore, spent her whole life looking after the family, putting the welfare of the family first and sacrificing her own dreams.  When her children grow up, she is increasingly disconnected from them due to language and values.

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports was the Guest of Honour for the gala. AWARE received generous generous and warm support from the public for both AWARE and for a Singapore made movie as it successfully sold out 4 halls, making this the most successful charity premiere that AWARE has ever organized. It also received support from generous sponsors, including, Booze Wine Shop, Asia Brewery Pacific Limited and Royal Catering Services Private Limited for the post movie reception.

In addition, AWARE worked with Singapore Dreaming and the support of donors of the “Keep Singapore Dreaming Programme” to give out 2000 free tickets to deserving groups such as nurses and social workers, and also, the underprivileged, such as beneficiaries of the School Pocket Money Fund.  The tickets were also extended to clients at various shelters to provide their residents with a brief respite from their burdens and worries.