If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you’ll know that the beloved animation firm recently released in Japan what has been hailed as auteur Hayao Miyazaki’s last film, How Do You Live?. Fans have been impatiently awaiting the film’s arrival in Singapore (no official word yet on when that happens…) but in the meantime, The Projector has got you covered with a mini film festival that presents several vintage gems.

For example, there’s Metropolis (2001), an icon in the steampunk genre that’s loosely based on Osamu Tezuka’s (aka the Godfather of manga) manga of the same name. Set in the year 2030, the film is about the uneasy tension between humans and robots who coexist in the city of Metropolis, exploring the ethical implications of creating artificial intelligence – a prescient move on a topic that’s already becoming a reality in our world.

Get your tickets here.

On now till Sep 3, various times at The Projector, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road

It’s a good time for Japanophiles: a new exhibition titled Wong Kawaii is set to mash up the best of the country’s kawaii culture and the distinctive aesthetics of the Internet’s favourite auteur, Wong Kar Wai. Imagine if you will, the director’s signature hazy films – all the classics like Chung King Express, 2046, In The Mood For Love – given a super kawaii makeover, one that’s replete with DIY emojis, motifs and a fuzzy, feel-good Y2K vibe. It’s almost akin to walking into the bedroom of a super Wong Kar Wai fan who’s hyper online.

“Our interest in bedroom elements and spaces derives from our exploration of the personal relationships one would have with their idol. The ownership of certain items enhances an imagined personal relationship/friendship. We want the viewer to have a voyeuristic perspective into the room, a peek into a personal space of this particular fan,” says artist Hilary Yeo, one half of the art collective T.T.O.O that’s behind this exhibition. 

For the uninitiated, the two-year-0ld T.T.O.O consists of Yeo and photographer, set designer and filmmaker Elsa Wong, and the duo are known for investigating aesthetic culture with a lighthearted touch. “In the current era of hyper-nostalgia, especially with the internet and cultural aesthetic seized by Y2K trends and girly-girl Barbiecore tropes, we are testing the ground for which these genres can intermingle and even fornicate with one another, and the kinds of art production that emerges from that,” says Wong. 

There’s also an assortment of related merchandise available for purchase here.

August 12 to Sep 2, at Spades Room, #02-04 MAE Industrial Building, 48 MacTaggart Road

A party in a hair salon? Why not, especially when it concerns a trendy Gen Z hangout like 35A. The space, located in the Kampong Bahru enclave, is being turned into rave central by party collective NoPartyHere. Expect sounds from both seasoned and new local acts like VGTH666, C2AC, CherylEatsChips and Fabricant Fang. Judging by the crowd at 35A’s opening party last Dec, expect this to be an equally fashionable affair.

August 12, 10pm till late, at 35A, 35a Kampong Bahru Road

We first profiled the fast-rising curator Berny Tan in Female’s January 2022 issue but Tan is equally well known as an artist who creates tactile works that interweave embroidery, textiles and elements of language. Now the artist and curator is back with a solo show curated by Kirti Upadhyaya that’s titled along the lines of —, which brings together new and existing works created during Tan’s decade-long exploration of hand embroidery.

And while needlework is a craft that’s been rediscovered by new audiences, especially over the pandemic, Tan’s embroidery practice avoids the conventional techniques associated with the medium and instead, emphasises the repetitive process of stitching: one that represents a portal to a slower way of living and a new way to giving shape to language (her artworks often contains text that has been embroidered on). 

August 12-August 20, 11am- 7pm daily, at Art Outreach, 5 Lock Road, #01-06 Gillman Barracks. Tan will be holding an artist’s talk on August 19, 3pm-4pm, at the same space

Films at the Fort, the popular open-air cinema event is back, this time in partnership with whisky label Glenfidditch. This year’s edition presents 12 award-winning films, including critics’ favourite Aftersun (pictured), blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, evergreen love drama The Notebook and more – you’ll want to act fast though, as some films like the black comedy piece Triangle of Sadness are already sold out. You can bring your own nosh (alcohol is not permitted however), though The Providore will also be on site to serve up delicious fares like beef burgers and gourmet popcorn. From acclaimed classics to film festival favourites, there’s something for everyone.

Get your tickets here.

On now till August 20 at Fort Canning Green, Canning Rise