A glimpse into ‘Stranger Eyes’: A tale of surveillance and secrets
Unveiling the mystery
The first trailer for Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua’s latest creation, Stranger Eyes, has been released, setting the stage for its premiere in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival. This film promises to be a gripping exploration of privacy, surveillance, and the unraveling of a family under the weight of hidden truths.
The plot thickens
In Stranger Eyes, a young couple is thrown into turmoil following the mysterious disappearance of their baby daughter. Their lives take a darker turn when they start receiving strange videos, revealing that someone has been secretly filming their daily activities, including their most intimate moments. As the police set up surveillance around their home to catch the voyeur, the family begins to disintegrate, with secrets surfacing under the relentless scrutiny of unseen eyes.
A stellar cast
Yeo Siew Hua, known for his award-winning film A Land Imagined, has assembled a remarkable cast for this project. The film features acclaimed Taiwanese actors Lee Kang-Sheng (known for What Time Is It There? and Days) and Wu Chien-Ho (from A Sun). The cast also includes newcomers Anicca Panna and Xenia Tan, alongside veterans Vera Chen (from Boluomi) and Pete Teo (from Barbarian Invasion).
An international collaboration
Stranger Eyes is a testament to the power of international collaboration, being a co-venture between Singapore, Taiwan, France, and the U.S. The film is produced by Fran Borgia for Singapore’s Akanga Film Asia (known for A Land Imagined and Tiger Stripes); Stefano Centini for Taiwan’s Volos Films (known for Tomorrow Is a Long Time and The Settlers); Jean-Laurent Csinidis for France’s Films de Force Majeure (known for Little Palestine, Diary of a Siege and A Holy Family); and Alex C. Lo for the U.S.-based Cinema Inutile (known for Club Zero and The Settlers). Playtime is handling international sales.
Behind the scenes
The film is made in association with Tiger Tiger Pictures, Incantation Films, Epicentre Films, Volya Films, and Playtime, with support from various organizations including the Singapore Film Commission, Taiwan Creative Content Agency (Taicca), L’aide Aux Cinemas Du Monde, Centre National Du Cinema Et De L’image Animee, Institut Français, and Region Provence-alpes-côte D’azur, as well as Purin Pictures.
Reflections on surveillance
Yeo Siew Hua reflects on the themes of the film, stating, “With its high density and ever-present surveillance, the modern cityscape makes us unsuspecting witnesses to the lives of others. The act of watching and being watched becomes a part of daily ritual. Stranger Eyes is a contemplation of these relationships at a time when our sense of connectedness through new channels of visual media feels limitless and yet alienated.”
A labor of love
Producer Fran Borgia adds, “Stranger Eyes is a unique film that has been years in the making. Thanks to a dedicated and talented team, it has evolved into an international co-production that reflects the vibrant growth of the Asian independent film industry. We’re thrilled to share it with audiences in Venice and around the world.”
Watch the trailer
For a sneak peek into this intriguing film, watch the trailer here.
Final thoughts
Stranger Eyes is not just a film; it’s a reflection on the pervasive nature of surveillance in our modern lives and the impact it has on our personal relationships. As we navigate a world where privacy is increasingly elusive, this film serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between visibility and secrecy. Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, Stranger Eyes offers a compelling narrative that resonates with the complexities of contemporary life.