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Episode 36: Found Films Rewriting Yishun's Story Through Comedy
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
When people think of Yishun, they often think of the headlines.
Over the years, the neighbourhood has become the subject of countless memes, viral stories and internet jokes. Mention Yishun in a conversation and chances are someone will have a story, or at least a stereotype, ready to share.
But for Cassandra and Aizuddin from Found Films, Yishun is much more than a punchline. It is the place they grew up in, the place that shaped many of their memories, and ultimately, the inspiration behind their micro-comedy series, Yishun Strong.
In Episode 36 of Conversation of Change, we sat down with the duo to learn more about the origins of the series and the stories that inspired it. What emerged was not just a conversation about filmmaking, but a reflection on community, identity and the power of storytelling.
Drawing from childhood memories, familiar neighbourhood personalities and everyday interactions, Cassandra and Aizuddiin began creating a world that felt recognisable to residents while remaining relatable to audiences across Singapore. Many of the characters were inspired by people they had encountered throughout their lives.
The pair shared candidly about the realities of independent filmmaking, from storyboarding and casting to coordinating shoots and navigating creative differences along the way. Like many creative projects, bringing an idea to life required patience, adaptability and a willingness to solve problems as they arose.
Yet one of the most memorable aspects of the journey was the response from the community itself. As filming took place around the neighbourhood, curious residents stopped to ask questions, local businesses offered support and community spaces became part of the production process. These interactions reinforced the team's belief that storytelling can be a collective effort, especially when it is rooted in genuine appreciation for a place and its people.
Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Yishun Strong was never intended to be just another comedy series.
In a time when narratives can spread rapidly online, micro-dramas like Yishun Strong remind us that communities deserve the opportunity to tell their own stories. Sometimes, all it takes is a familiar character, a shared laugh or a moment of recognition for people to see a place differently.
Perhaps that is what makes storytelling such a powerful force for change.
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