iBFF [Screening] BEFORE THE FAME, THERE WAS FIRE

Before the awards, acclaim, and applause—there were stories that needed to be told.

This specially curated screening features rare short films by seven of Singapore’s most dynamic Indian filmmakers: Abbas Akbar, Yahssir M, Don Aravind, Upneet Kaur, Parthiban Mayalagan, Vikneshwaran Silva, and Saleem Hadi. Each film is a window into the moment these creators found their voice—and dared to share it.

From raw explorations of identity and love, to bold confrontations of societal issues, inner conflict, dreams and fears—these early works carry the fire that would later define their careers. Every film was made with urgency, intention, and a deeply personal reason to exist.

Films shown:

CERTAIN CHAPTERS by Abbas Akbar

CHECKMATE by Yahssir M

UN VAASALIL (At your Doorstep) by Don Aravind

SINGH IN THE LION CITY by Upneet Kaur

KADAL (The Sea) by Parthiban Mayalagan

ALTER by Vikneshwaran Silva

KOLUSU (The Anklet) by Saleem Hadi

Watch the sparks that started it all—and feel the pulse of a generation finding its truth.