In ‘Last Shadow at First Light’, 16-year-old Ami embarks on a journey from Singapore to Japan in search of her missing mother. Her mother mysteriously disappeared after returning to her hometown to assist with rescue efforts following the devastating 2011 tsunami. Amidst hauntings and hallucinations, against a backdrop of loss and grief, the film explores the tender process of healing in the face of lingering trauma. It’s a poignant debut feature, seven years in the making, from local writer-director Nicole Midori Woodford, showcasing her talent as one of Singapore’s most acclaimed independent filmmakers.
Woodford draws inspiration from her family history, particularly her Japanese grandmother, who narrowly escaped the Hiroshima atomic blast. Her grandmother’s story, shared only in the years before her passing, resonates with the themes of survival and resilience explored in ‘Last Shadow at First Light’. While the film focuses on the aftermath of a different disaster, the devastating impact of the 2011 tsunami is palpable throughout. Most of the film was shot in Rikuzentakata, a city nearly wiped out by the tsunami, and its poignant atmosphere permeates every scene.
Woodford explains that the film’s deeper narrative emerged during her research in Japan, revealing the complexities of family dynamics in the wake of tragedy. She wanted to depict a family grappling with internal struggles alongside the external challenges of disaster recovery. This desire to explore the grey areas of human experience and the complexities of decision-making is a recurring theme in Woodford’s work.
Reflecting on her filmmaking journey, Woodford reveals a love-hate relationship with the craft. While she acknowledges the demanding nature of filmmaking, demanding significant time, energy, and resources, she also highlights the creative fulfillment it provides. She shares how she delayed having a child until after the film’s completion, feeling a responsibility to be fully dedicated to the project. Despite the challenges, Woodford emphasizes the constant evolution of her artistic voice, finding inspiration in the vast possibilities of filmmaking.
Woodford’s fascination with storytelling centers around female protagonists, driven by a desire to explore the ambiguity and complexities inherent in their lives. She believes that women often face struggles that are harder to define, and her storytelling aims to unravel these intricacies.
Beyond the personal narratives, Woodford hopes to create works that influence how audiences perceive the world. She sees filmmaking as a medium for collective sharing and believes in the power of film to evoke emotions and spark conversations.
In a nod to the female directors who have inspired her, Woodford recommends six films that have left a lasting impression:
1.
’Petite Maman’ directed by Celine Sciamma:
A delicate and wistful exploration of time-travel, mother-daughter relationships, and childhood grief.2.
’The Nightingale’ directed by Jennifer Kent:
A brutal and relentless examination of colonialism, violence, and trauma, presented as a powerful revenge film.3.
’Aftersun’ directed by Charlotte Wells:
A deeply personal debut feature about parent-child relationships, culminating in a devastating ending.4.
’House of Hummingbird’ directed by Bora Kim:
A heartfelt portrait of a young girl navigating the challenges of adolescence in 1994.5.
’Tótem’ directed by Lila Avilés:
A poignant film that unfolds over a single afternoon, capturing the complexities of life and death through the eyes of a 7-year-old protagonist.6.
’Saint Maud’ directed by Rose Glass:
A debut film that delves into the descent of a female protagonist into madness as she connects with an imagined God, questioning our perception of reality.Woodford’s ‘Last Shadow at First Light’ is a testament to her talent and dedication, offering a poignant exploration of healing and resilience in the face of devastating loss. The film serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level, prompting reflection and introspection.
