The Faith of Anna Waters is Singapore’s first Hollywood horror movie. What does that mean, exactly? Well, local director Kelvin Tong (known for films like The Maid and It’s a Great, Great World) actually received Hollywood funding to produce his latest title. So, in a way, that makes him the first homegrown filmmaker to make a movie financed by Hollywood. The film is set to have a US theatrical release, but how wide of a reach it gets depends on the end product.
Plus, he managed to nab two (albeit not-so-recognisable) American actors to star in the film: Elizabeth Rice, who made appearances in Mad Men and Medium, and Matthew Settle, best known for his roles in Band of Brothers and Gossip Girl. Other names involved include local actor Adrian Pang and Australian-Chinese actress-host Jaymee Ong.
Also partly supported by the Media Development Authority of Singapore, The Faith of Anna Waters is Tong’s most expensive project at US$5 million.
Shot entirely in Singapore (and avoiding all the usual tourist traps), the story is ostensibly based on true events here. It revolves around a Chicago reporter who journeys to Singapore to investigate the abrupt death of her sister, Anna.
Have a look at the trailer to see what you think.
The Faith of Anna Waters opens in cinemas on May 12.
