Italian
Unveiling the hidden world of 1990s Singapore lesbian club culture in ‘Crocodile Rock’
An evocative portrait of underground culture
New York-based Singaporean filmmaker is set to direct “Crocodile Rock”, a captivating exploration of the underground lesbian club scene of 1990s Singapore. This ambitious film project is being showcased at the Busan Asian Project Market (APM), seeking to shed light on a vibrant subculture often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Following in the footsteps of Pop Aye
The director is no stranger to critical acclaim, with her debut feature “Pop Aye” (2017) receiving international praise and accolades at prestigious festivals such as Sundance and Rotterdam. In “Crocodile Rock”, she weaves a complex tale centered around a homeless teenage drifter named Pepsi, navigating the trancelike labyrinth of lesbian clubs. Pepsi’s journey intersects with that of a mysterious bar owner and an idealistic student activist, forming an intricate narrative tapestry.
A personal inspiration
“Crocodile Rock” draws its inspiration from Singapore’s longest-running lesbian bar of the same name, which served as a haven for the queer community throughout the ’90s. The filmmaker recounts her discovery of the bar’s history during a dinner party, where an older lesbian friend shared stories of a vibrant community that thrived within its walls. The realization that such an integral piece of queer history could have remained unknown even a generation later underscores the importance of the film’s mission.
Addressing queer erasure
“Queer erasure is real,” the director remarked, reflecting on how history tends to obscure or omit queer narratives. The recent repeal of Section 377A, a law that criminalized gay sex, has created an environment where telling these stories feels both safer and more urgent. Through “Crocodile Rock”, the filmmaker aims to bridge the gaps in historical queer narratives, ensuring that the collective hopes, struggles, and dreams of the community are recognized and remembered.
Extensive research and historical context
The filmmaker’s dedication to authenticity is evident in the extensive research conducted for the film. Over 20 lesbians in their 50s and 60s who experienced the politically charged 1990s in Singapore were interviewed, providing personal accounts that form the backbone of the film’s fictional narrative. This period, marked by widespread police raids on gay and activist spaces, was influenced by fears relating to the AIDS crisis and concerns over Western liberalism and alternative ideologies.
Larger themes of love and connection
While “Crocodile Rock” is unapologetically queer, it transcends specific labels to address universal themes. “It very much speaks to larger themes of drifters and outsiders searching for love and connection,” the director noted. Set against the neon-lit backdrop of an Asian cosmopolis, the film captures the social alienation and impersonal density characteristic of urban life, making it relatable to a broad audience.
Collaborative effort and the road ahead
Backing this pioneering project is producer Tan Si En, whose film “Don’t Cry, Butterfly” recently achieved success at the Venice Film Festival. “As a queer person who grew up in Singapore, my narrative was never depicted in mainstream culture,” Tan Si En shared. “Crocodile Rock” represents a crucial opportunity to bring these hidden stories to the forefront, ensuring that Singapore’s first historical lesbian film resonates deeply with viewers.
Production and future prospects
“Crocodile Rock” is slated to be produced jointly by Tan Si En’s Momo Film Co (Singapore) and the director’s 10 Minutes Later Films (U.S.), with a budget of $1.2 million, of which 20% is currently financed. The team hopes to commence principal photography between mid and late 2026. At APM, they are actively seeking co-producers, financiers, creative heads of departments, and a world sales agent to bring this vision to life.
The significance of APM
The Busan Asian Project Market, running from October 5-8 alongside the Busan International Film Festival (October 2-11), serves as a crucial platform for connecting with film industry professionals. “As the important hub of Asian and international co-productions, we hope that APM can connect us with a diverse array of film industry professionals,” the producer remarked, expressing optimism for the project’s future prospects.
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