The Last Artisan

Release Date: 5 December 2018

Producer / Director: Craig McTurk

Camera: Chris Dickinson

Sound: Jason Yun, Nick Talbot

Music: Paul Pilot, Al Lethbridge

Editor: Wu Chin Long 

The Last Artisan is an 88-minute feature documentary about the past and the present meeting at Singapore’s Haw Par Villa – an 80-year old Chinese theme park where hundreds of statues convey poignant myths and morals. After a 7-decade tenure as its head artisan, Mr. TEO Veoh Seng is now retiring and passing his tools and paintbrushes to a Mainland Chinese nearly half his age. How will the reserved apprentice cope with his master’s exacting standards and strict discipline? As skills and values are imparted to the next generation, the dramatic history of Haw Par Villa and Mr. Teo’s turbulent life serve as a metaphor for a country transitioning from its analogue past to a digital future.

Shot in 4K video by an international crew, this film is directed by veteran filmmaker Craig McTurk – an American who has made Singapore his home since 2001. Combining stunning aerial footage, animation, archival footage and newly-shot material, this film tells the tale of inanimate sculptures and the workers who magically bring them to life.

The Last Artisan made its World Premiere at the 2018 Singapore International Film Festival, selling out both screenings. It is now in competition in the Feature Documentary Category at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The Awards Ceremony will take place on 21 November 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. www.facebook.com/asiapacificscreenawards

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