Wan Hoi-Ling

Spirit of the Overseas Chinese

A rare document of Singapore cinema, Spirit of the Overseas Chinese was made by pioneering female Chinese filmmaker Wan Hoi-Ling, who had directed films in Singapore for the Shaw Brothers. Her partner Hou Yao, who tragically died during the war, collaborated with her on her films. Made just a year after World War II ended, the film begins before the war comes to Malaya and reflects upon the struggles of newly-emigrated and affluent Chinese immigrants who have to choose between the comfortable luxury of their lives in Singapore and returning to their motherland to fight the enemy.

Three Lovers

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers and made a handful of films, including Tiga Kekasih, before being murdered in 1942.

Ghost Eyes

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers and made a handful of films, including Mata Hantu, before being murdered in 1942.

Full Moon Over Malaya

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers and made a handful of films, including Full Moon Over Malaya, before being murdered in 1942.

Stepmother

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers under Malay Film Productions and made a handful of films, including such films as Bermadu and Ibu Tiri, before being murdered in 1942.

Broken-hearted

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers under Malay Film Productions and made a handful of films, including Bermadu and Hanchor Hati, before being murdered in 1942.

Polygamy

A rich man has two wives and two brothers-in-law, each of them related to one of the wives. When he decides to go to England, he takes his first wife's brother with him. During his absence, his second wife, with the help of her brother, treats the first wife badly, eventually trying to get rid of her after she gives birth to a baby boy. The first wife, to save herself and her baby from being burnt, is forced to leave the house.

The Devil's Mask

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers and made a handful of films, including Tiga Kekasih, before being murdered in 1942.

Pearl

After Hou Yao moved to Singapore in 1940, he continued to work for the Shaw Brothers and made a handful of films, including Mutiara, before being murdered in 1942.