Born of the Yam

Forum Expanded 2026

An expanded cinema performance presented as a techno-mythological ritual of light and sound. Performed with multiple modified 16mm projectors and DIY machinery, 16mm film loops combining hand-processed and inkjet-printed sequences weave together fragmented visions from a mythical 11^th century island, isolated in time. The images are drawn from an imagined mythology – recurring across the artists’ Unending Island project – centred around the birth of a demigod from a yam. A cursed birth that made the demigod the sole source of sustenance, wielding an absolute hold due to the islanders’ dependency. Between elation and fear, the demigod figure is gradually manifested through visions formed from a yam eco-developer and vegetal interventions, fusing with 3D-rendered virtual island-scapes. Born of the Yam evokes the performativity of ritualism and idolisation, to reflect on their surfacing in our modern political landscape. The event becomes a kind of collective “bonfire” fanned by the flames of obsession and fantasy. Drawing upon our deeper primordial instincts, the live happening unpacks the process where mythic idols become a direct reflection of us and our making.

Trailer/Film Excerpt

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by Mark Chua & Lam Li Shuen (Director) Singapore 2026 Without dialogue 60' Colour & Black/White World premiere

Crew

Director	Mark Chua & Lam Li Shuen
Cinematography	Mark Chua, Lam Li Shuen, Lincoln Yeo
Music	Mark Chua, Lam Li Shuen
Make-Up	June Goh, Yvonne Yeo, Leonard Cai, Kelvin Wong
Producers	Mark Chua, Lam Li Shuen

Produced by

Mark Chua & Lam Li Shuen

Singapur, Singapore

Photos

Mark Chua & Lam Li Shuen

Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen are a filmmaker-artist duo from Singapore whose practice spans film, installation and expanded cinema performance. Their work explores histories, materialities and existential anxieties through speculative fiction and multimedia stagings. They have screened their films at IFFR, New Directors/New Films and BFI London, and presented 16mm live film performances in Zurich, Taipei and Singapore. They are currently developing their mythological body-horror feature Strange Root (IFFR CineMart 2025; Berlinale Talents Script Station 2024).

Filmography (selection)

2020 The Cup 2021 A Man Trembles 2023 Chomp It! 2024 根欲 (The Inescapable Desire of Roots) 2025 Before and After the Unknown 2026 Born of the Yam; Forum Expanded 2026

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2026