Viral spoof video 'Another Home' fires Singapore's patriotic spirit
More than 185,000 views on YouTube and some 600 comments ... that's how popular "Another Home" has become since it was released in late July.
Produced by local independent film website SINdie, the seven-minute parody music video shows a cast of characters dancing to a remixed version of Dick Lee’s iconic National Day Song "Home."
The success of "the other National Day video" is undeniable. Netizens have called for it to be shown at tonight's National Day Parade. A report by The Online Citizen, cited comments that it is a “fantastic effort and extremely funny”, with others joking that “Lady Gaga would approve” -- a dig at the failed "Fun Pack Song" attempt earlier last month.
"We wanted to give our annual National Day songs and videos a fresh daring twist," said SINdie founder Jeremy Sing. "Singapore in the past year has been nothing short of dramatic in terms of the social and political happenings ... this video was our little contribution to a nation that’s awakened a little from political apathy."
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The video made to "stir conversation" jokingly tackles a roster of talking points -- member of parliament Tin Pei Ling, the controversial swimming trunks worn by the national water polo team, the National Serviceman flamed for getting his maid to carry his backpack -- while poking fun at some of Singapore's sillier news stories; who can forget the "rogue" Philips/Ulu Pandan Bear?
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The video's ability to hit home with Singaporeans wasn't a shot in the dark. Prior to its three-day shoot, SINdie interviewed more than 30 local filmmakers (and some artists and writers) on what they would have if they directed their own National Day music video.
And the result, well, is pretty spot-on.
While it is unlikely that "Another Home" will screen later as part of the National Day Parade, Sing has revealed that there are plans to get the video rated by the Media Development Authority (MDA) for it to be screened at local film and music-related events.
Till then, the makers of this video can sit back happily knowing its achieved its humble aim: to spark conversation.
