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Cinema Reclaimed: Medicine & Modernity in Singapore Cinema - Tunang Pak Dukun

by Toh Hun Ping & Ben Slater

13 May • 08:00pm

The film buff in you will want to catch this special screening of the 1960 romantic comedy Tunang Pak Dukun – a charming story of a soon-to-be doctor straddling the line between modern science and ancient remedies. It also features scenes of yesteryear Singapore and music by composer Zubir Said.

Treat yourself to a special screening of a Cathay-Keris production from 1960 called Tunang Pak Dukun by director S. Roomai Noor. The showcase is part of the inaugural edition of Cinema Reclaimed, a special collaboration between researchers Toh Hun Ping and Ben Slater centered on the theme of medicine and modernity.

Synopsis:

Karim (Abdullah Chik), an earnest and progressive doctor-to-be, has little choice but to engage with cranky bomoh (Dollah Sarawak) whom he needs to study under to win the hand of his beloved University of Malaya schoolmate Khatijah (Rose Yatimah). Khatijah’s aunt, whose approval Karim must gain, is determined to retain traditional healing practices within their kampong. The romantic comedy, filmed in and out of Singapore, and featuring a great score and songs by Zubir Said, explores the clash of modern science with ancient wisdom.

Rated PG

This programme is presented with assistance from the Asian Film Archive.

To find out more about the series by Toh Hun Ping and Ben Slater, check out "Cinema Reclaimed - Film Locations Map" and tune in to "Cinema Reclaimed: Live Dialogue"!

Toh Hun Ping & Ben Slater

Researchers Toh Hun Ping (SG Film Hunter) and Ben Slater (author of Kinda Hot: The Making of Saint Jack in Singapore) collaborate to present the second edition of Cinema Reclaimed programme. This programme is presented in collaboration with Asian Film Archive for Singapore HeritageFest.

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