Kathleen Bu’s springboard from Passion to Professional Filmmaking
Can you tell us a little about yourself? What inspired you to pursue your passion in this field?
Kathleen: My name is Kathleen and I’m a director/writer. I dabble in genre films like horror, comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi. Although I don’t like to call myself a genre filmmaker; I believe the story informs what medium it should take. What inspired me to begin in this field, wasn’t something tangible. For me, it was always natural to have a calling towards storytelling; it is a way to express myself. I treat my films as a sort of diary, an expression of every emotion I’ve felt in my life.
Can you tell us more about your role in said programme/initiative and what was memorable or significant about the experience?
Kathleen: I’m extremely fortunate that my journey with *SCAPE has been quite an extensive one. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, my team and I were awarded Best Director, Best Film & Best Editing in the National Youth Film Awards under the Student Category for the film ‘Lady E’s Wedding Revenge Plan’. I was then interviewed to be part of their line-up in the ‘Blaze List’ interviews.
In 2022, I participated in *SCAPE’s Film Facilitation Programme to write my film ‘You Will See’; my first endeavour into the horror genre. I was assigned a prolific mentor, Bradley Liew, who guided me with the utmost kindness and knowledge; a kindness that extended to the *SCAPE team.
How did *SCAPE help to ‘unleash your passion’? How instrumental was *SCAPE in helping you on your filmmaking journey? eg. Mentorship, provide a showcase platform, media exposure, facilities, funding, guidance, financial support
Kathleen: I recall fondly that the *SCAPE team, namely Lingual and Shivvani, spoke to me with words of encouragement now and then. An encouragement that a young filmmaker desperately needs in times of uncertainty. It was a small gesture to them, but it helped me greatly in times of need. You could say that *SCAPE was my springboard to being a professional filmmaker, as it is to many filmmakers starting their careers.
My passion was always inside me, but having constant mentors along the way to encourage me, helped me in letting it shine, even through difficult times.
What was your biggest takeaway from working with *SCAPE? How did this collaboration influence your personal/career growth?
Kathleen: When I wrapped filming for my horror film, I wrote a letter of reflection documenting my thoughts about the whole process. This is an excerpt from it:
“One of my biggest takeaways from this programme is that I can believe in myself. I feel a sense of deep gratitude for all the sleepless nights I had, and all the times I told myself I’m not good at what I do. When we picture-locked the film, I felt a deep, warm feeling. For the first time in a long time, I felt proud of myself. I think that’s a more powerful lesson than any other programme can give.
Without my mentor, Bradley, and the amazing team behind the Film Facilitation Programme, I might have taken many more years to gain this confidence. You’ll be surprised how far encouragement and empathy can change someone, especially a young filmmaker striving to survive and succeed in a difficult industry. With this encouragement, I felt the need to pass it on to younger filmmakers. And that’s why, the Film Facilitation Programme is of high importance. Where else will young filmmakers start or have the chance to learn?
When you take a chance on someone, their growth can be tremendous.”
I still hold steadfast to what I said.
What advice would you give to young people who are looking to pursue their passions and turn their ideas into reality?
Kathleen: One step at a time. Every mistake is a lesson learnt. And last but not least, be kind to yourself.
Any upcoming projects/plans?
Kathleen: I’m currently writing my next short film entitled ‘Bleeding Milk’, a title inspired by the term used to describe an unripe fig that when forced open ‘bleeds milk’. It is an allegory for a violent sexual awakening.
How was your experience working with *SCAPE?
Kathleen: One of the best.
