IFFI-2008 - International Film Festival of India

COMPETITION
CINEMA OF THE WORLD
IFFI-2008
Singapore
Salawati
2008, 35 mm, Colour, 82 mins, Malay-Tamil-Chinese-English
Director
Marc X Grigoroff
Screenplay
Marc X Grigoroff
Cinematography
Roszali Samad
Editor
Sean Ashley, Joyce Tok
Music
Pindar Plifner, Belinda Foo
Cast
Siti Aisyah Masgot (Salawati), Mastura Ahmad (Fatimah),
Zaidi Ibrahim (Ishak), Zarina Safuan (Siti), Ravi Kumar (Raj)
Art
Dinie
Sound
Chia Jenn Hui
Production
Freddy Kee, Farhana Mustapha
Contact
marcx@singnet.com.sg
Festivals & Awards
Seattle
It is the story of Wati, a 12-year-old Singaporean-Malay girl who has just witnessed the
death of her older brother, Shahim, in a swimming tragedy. Wati's parents are devastated.
Her mother tries to hold the family together, while her father struggles to control his
misdirected anger. The role of Islam in the lives of Wati and her family is revealed, for it
is impossible to separate their beliefs from their lifestyle and the manner in which they
deal with Shahim's death. Wati's story is intertwined with two others: an Indian courier
with a penchant for drinking and fighting; and a Chinese man who is consumed by career
goals. It becomes increasingly apparent that each of these men played some role in the
death of her brother, and as Wati begins to follow them, the mystery deepens. Finally, a
haunting sequence illuminates the events surrounding her brother's death, and Wati is
left with a choice that will change the lives of everyone. Salawati explores the fragile
nature of human relationships, particularly in the face of tragedy. It calls into question
our notions of morality, mercy, revenge and ultimately, forgiveness.
Marc X Grigoroff left the United States in 1993 to take a position at Dentsu Inc. in
Tokyo, where he was responsible for English-language advertising for Japanese clients.
His efforts earned him numerous international awards. In 1997, he moved to Singapore,
where he wrote the inaugural 2002 MTV Asia Awards, winning the Best Entertainment
Special at the Asian Advertising Awards. Additionally, he wrote three seasons of
Nickelodeon's Gruff's Groovebox, a popular animated series for children. Marc has
directed a number of television commercials for top regional and international
companies,. In 2001, he wrote and directed the musical, A Quiet Moment. In 2005, he
directed and performed in a short film entitled, A Day in the Life of My Death, which was
based on a theatrical monologue he had written. This is his first feature-length film.
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