Dili, Iklik News – On 11 October 2026, Singapore Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng hosted a creative breakfast following the screening of two Singapore short films, Captive Audience and A Feeling of Music Playing, at the Dili International Film Festival (DIFF). The event brought together filmgoers, musicians and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate Singapore’s independent filmmaking scene and explore the power of storytelling to connect people across cultures.
Directed by Singaporean filmmaker Kew Lin, Captive Audience (14 minutes) follows a jazz saxophonist struggling to find an audience, who unexpectedly discovers appreciative listeners at a zoo. As his music begins to attract attention, he faces a choice between the music industry that had rejected him and those who genuinely appreciate his art. The film premiered at the Singapore International Film Festival in 2025.
The second film, A Feeling of Music Playing (28 minutes), directed by Singaporean filmmaker Ong Kah Jing, explores the intangible yet deeply human experience of making music together. Through an unrehearsed jam session featuring four musicians playing different Asian instruments, the film captures how strangers find common ground and gradually discover a shared rhythm through music.
Reflecting on the film’s screening in Timor-Leste, Ong said: “A Feeling of Music Playing is a unique Singaporean, yet universally accessible bridge that I hope can connect people across cultures and nationalities. I am excited to bring it to our newest ASEAN member, Timor-Leste, and look forward to our mutual learning and discovery.”
DIFF Director Lena Lenzen welcomed the Embassy’s continued participation in the festival, saying: “Following last year’s success of Singapore’s Oversteer, which won Best Feature, we are very happy to welcome the Singapore Embassy back to DIFF with two special short films and a visiting filmmaker. With Timor-Leste now part of ASEAN, film and creativity are a wonderful way to bring our people and countries closer together.”
Pacific International Lines (PIL)/Mariana Express Lines (MEL) Owner Representative Stevenson Cheng who sponsored the question-and-answer session with Ong, said: “This is the first time PIL/MEL is co-sponsoring Singapore films at DIFF. We had a great experience working with the organiser and look forward to supporting similar events in the future.”
Following the screening, Ambassador Teo hosted a creative breakfast to offer an informal setting to connect and exchange views. A live station serving kaya butter toast, a quintessential Singapore breakfast favourite, was complemented by Timorese coffee. Kaya, a sweet, creamy jam made from coconut milk, sugar, eggs and pandan leaves is served with a generous slice of cold butter which melts between two thinly sliced toast. It is much-loved breakfast and snack in Singapore.
“We are very grateful to see an almost a full house on a Sunday morning,” said Ambassador Teo. “The Embassy is very pleased to showcase Singapore’s independent filmmaking scene. While the two Singapore films offer somewhat different styles, both reflect aspects of the human experience – our aspirations, struggles, relationships, and search for meaning and connection”, she added.
The films resonated with audiences in different ways. Singer Michelle Soares, drawing on her own experience as a musician, said that she could relate to both films. She also enjoyed her first taste of kaya butter toast, welcoming the opportunity to experience a Singapore breakfast staple in Timor-Leste.
National University of Timor-Leste undergraduate Nicolau Maubere Menezes also enjoyed the breakfast, describing the pairing with Timorese coffee as a unique celebration of the connections between the two countries.
Through film and food, the event offered a warm celebration of creativity, cultural exchange and the everyday experiences that bring people closer together, reinforcing the role of the arts in deepening ties between Singapore and Timor-Leste.
