May Lin fell into the clutches of documentary by accident when she tired of her growing collection of unwieldy corporate
ballpoint pens and traded business journalism for the more pastoral current affairs unit down the corridor of Singapore's
only dedicated television news channel. Five years later having cut her teeth directing TV shows from celebrity to pets,
health to technology, political and economic analysis to social-investigative pieces, May Lin is ready to learn the
documentary craft so she can tell the stories of extraordinary dignity in ordinary lives.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS:
May Lin's work has been chosen to represent Channel News Asia at international competitions
such as the New York Festival, CBA Broadcasting Awards and the International Emmy Awards.
Media Development Authority (Singapore)
Under a Storybook Sky
HD video
14:08 min.
An exploration of the space between reality and make-believe, the film peers into the curious charm of
America's oldest storybook theme park - Oakland's Children's Fairyland, through the eyes of its best volunteer,
9-year-old Melyssa.
Keeping House
16mm color film
7:07 min
A reflection on a mother's resolute love as she confronts the fragile promise of life through the eyes of her son.
A quiet film about finding an anchor in the uncertainties of the everyday.
FESTIVALS AND SCREENINGS:
Gentle Creatures
Co-directed by May Lin Au Yong
and Kelcey Edwards
Digital Video - Widescreen
10:32 min.
With implacable resolve and well-worn boots, two plain-speaking Californian
cowgirls steward both land and beast through the uncertain seasons. Their
trusty mares accompany them in the craggy valleys and in the brokenness of
their own lives, bringing redemption and restoration.
FESTIVALS AND AWARDS:
- Silverdocs AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival, 2008
- Director's Choice (3rd place), Black Maria Film Festival, 2008
Bullet Proof Vest
16mm black and white film
5:20 min
Welcome to Richmond California where children neither walk to school, nor go to the park; not if they want to
live past the age of 18. Fed up with the gun violence decimating the city's young male population, residents
took over the four most dangerous parks; camping in 'Tent Cities' in a desperate stand for peace. Let 9-year-old
twins Mustapha and Jyeshria explain why kids are killing kids in Richmond.
FESTIVALS AND AWARDS:
- Honorable Mention, Best Documentary
Short, Worldwide Short Film Fest, 2007 - Nominee, David Wolper Student Award, 2007
- Honorable Mention, Documentary, Angelus Student Film Festival, 2007
- Grand Jury Prize, Independent Lens Online Festival, 2007
- Nominee, Cinematic Vision Award, Silverdocs AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival, 2007
- Best Student Director, San Francisco
Frozen Film Fest, 2007 - National PBS Broadcast, P.O.V., 2007
- Edinburgh International Film Festival, 2008
- Flickerfest, Australia, 2008
- Los Angeles Film Festival, 2007
- Ann Arbor Film Festival, 2008
- Cinequest Film Festival, 2008
- True/False Film Festival, 2008
- IFP Center, New York, Short Attention Span Cinema, 2008
- Rhode Island Film Festival, 2007
- Mill Valley Film Festival, 2007