Good morning.
Production for our new series on the Homeless in Singapore – a raw and revealing observational documentary on an oft-invisible group – was fraught with challenges from the start.
Securing profiles was one. We’d decided that most, if not all, of our homeless profiles should be willing to have their faces and identities known.
A number of our initial profiles dropped out after a few shoots. Many often have complex and deep-seated issues. One such rough sleeper suddenly became very aggressive, calling the producer and befriender more than 30 over five days times to scold them.
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Despite these struggles, we gleaned many eye-opening stories from our profiles over the five-month production period.
Rough sleeper Hamad (above) shared about his daily routine while spending his nights under a tree with his beloved pet birds close by. (He had to move his sleeping spot after residents complained.)
Homeless Grab delivery rider Roselan was frank about his unhappiness with the long wait for his public rental flat.
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We also captured pivotal moments such as 82-year-old Mdm Yeo’s (above) move from a night shelter to a transitional shelter.
And there was 67-year-old Tok, who was discharged from the night shelter after being accused of inflicting violence on another stayer.
Making the series made us realise that anyone could end up homeless – even individuals who have worked hard in good jobs their entire lives. A failed business or a divorce could land a person in crisis.
We hope you take the time to watch all three episodes, and learn as much about Singapore’s homeless situation as we have in making it.
Peh Yuxin
Series producer, Homeless in Singapore
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