Carin Leong, a documentary filmmaker and multimedia journalist, has released her latest short film, ‘Sandcastles,’ now streaming on Field of Vision.
The film delves into the history of Singapore, Michigan, a bustling lumber town in the late 19th century that vanished due to sand dune shifts caused by extensive deforestation. Contrastingly, its namesake in Asia has gained international attention for its land reclamation efforts, utilizing imported sand to expand its territory and drive urban growth.
‘Sandcastles’ brings together diverse perspectives, from sand importers and land developers to environmentalists, policymakers addressing climate change, and Indigenous communities in both regions. The film juxtaposes the two Singapores, prompting viewers to question the reliability of land that is both created and destroyed by sand.
The narrative underscores the fleeting essence of human constructs, symbolized through sandcastles — built as the pillars of society yet easily swept away by the forces of nature.
