Introduction to
Zen-Mind Filmmaking
An Experiment. A Movement. A Methodology.
Inspired by Zen Buddhism, filmmaker-educator-researcher Tzang Merwyn Tong experimented with a new approach to filmmaking using concepts of minimalism, non-attachment and being in here and now to reinvent the practice. Together with a group of filmmakers, two cycles of research was done, with four films made with Zen-Mind rules.
​
On Jan 10, 2023, Tzang delivered a presentation on Zen-Mind Filmmaking - the experiment and methodology - to a lecture theatre of filmmakers, artists, musicians, researchers, zen-masters and meditation practitioners. The presentation was followed by a Q&A moderated by filmmaker-educator Wesley Aroozoo, a premiere of the four Zen-Mind films and a post screening discussion with the filmmakers, Darshan Kunasagran, Zach RS Ho and Matthaeus Choo.
​
In the discussions, it was discovered that Zen-Mind Filmmaking is not just a methodology. It also has a wellness dimension and the potential to be a film / thought movement born out of Singapore cinema, like an Asian Dogme95. The four films that premiered were well received as well, with audiences noting that Zen-Mind filmmaking does not limit the genre of films made to only minimalist 'poetic-type' films. The genre of films seen include drama, diary-type films and even experimental horror.
About the Researcher
Tzang Merwyn Tong (@tzang_m) is a Singapore-based filmmaker, educator and independent researcher. He is the director of Singapore's first dystopian teen movie Faeryville and an alumnus of Berlinale Talent Campus. His films have won awards and festival acclaim at Tel Aviv, Rotterdam, Montreal, Lund and Los Angeles. He is currently teaching Visual Storytelling and Film Appreciation at RP's School of Technology for the Arts, and is the founder and festival director of First Shot(s), a student-run film festival.
Zen-Mind Filmmaking Experiment is his thesis research project for his MA in Arts Pedagogy and Practice at LASALLE in partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London. His research interest include courage-in-filmmaking, storytelling, Eastern Philosophy and interdisciplinary learning.
​
About the Zen-Mind Films
The Verge (4.18 min)
by Darshan Kunasagran
A woman stands at the edge of a roof garden contemplating suicide
only to meet another person there to do the same. (Drama, Black Comedy)
​
​
Useless (4.18 min)
by Syafiq Fadzelli
A lethargic young man works to overcome depression. (Video Diary)
​
The Cell (5.54 min)
by Zach RS Ho
An internet famous video streamer has an unexpected encounter with
a fan too willing to share his story. (Drama)
​
The Rehearsal (8min)
by Mattheaus Choo
An actor returns home from a film rehearsal only to discover weird
occurrences at home. (Thriller, Experimental)
​
​
All four films are made according to rules as defined in the Zen-Mind Filmmaking Manifesto that embraced concepts of minimalism, non-attachment and being in the here-and-now.
​
​