Exciting New Release from Carin Leong: Sandcastles
Renowned documentary filmmaker and multimedia journalist Carin Leong takes us on a mesmerizing journey exploring the transient nature of human existence through the lens of sand in her latest short film, Sandcastles.
Trailer for Sandcastles (2024), dir. Carin Leong (video and images courtesy Field of Vision)
Sandcastles offers a unique perspective on the story of Singapore, Michigan, a once-thriving lumber town that was consumed by shifting sand dunes due to mass deforestation. The film draws parallels with the modern-day Singapore, known for its land reclamation projects involving importing sand to expand urban areas. Through the eyes of various characters, including sand importers, developers, activists, and Indigenous communities, Leong poses the question of our trust in the very ground beneath us, built and destroyed by the seemingly ephemeral substance of sand.
The symbolism of sandcastles as fragile yet foundational structures of civilization is beautifully captured in the film, highlighting the delicate balance of human existence in the face of nature’s forces.
About Carin Leong
Carin Leong is a Brooklyn-based documentary filmmaker and multimedia journalist whose work delves into themes of science, cultural memory, and landscapes. Her film Sandcastles, produced by Field of Vision, premiered at SXSW in 2024 and has since been showcased at esteemed festivals like AFI Fest, Hot Docs, and the Singapore International Film Festival. Leong’s projects have received support from prestigious organizations such as Aesthetica Short Film Festival, DOK Leipzig, and the Untitled Filmmaker Organization, where she currently serves as a fellow. Her work has been featured in publications like Scientific American, Hakai Magazine, and The Atlantic, earning her recognition as one of the 25 Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker magazine in 2024.
About Field Of Vision
Field of Vision is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting filmmakers, journalists, and artists in exploring global issues through the medium of film. Their projects, including Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated features and shorts, have garnered critical acclaim for their innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives. With a commitment to promoting diversity in filmmaking, Field of Vision has championed works by women and filmmakers of color, showcasing a wide range of voices and narratives. Since its inception in 2015, the organization has commissioned and supported numerous films that have premiered at major international festivals, solidifying their reputation as a trailblazer in nonfiction storytelling.
Experience the captivating narrative of Sandcastles now on fieldofvision.org.
