History from the Hills - Bukit Brown

Finally, the production company called Sitting in Pictures that was commissioned to do the production series called History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) published the documentary on Youtube in 2021. The documentary first made it appearance in MediaCorp Okto back in January 2013 and features a number of descendants and volunteers at that time. I compiled it here so that if you like to watch it, you can view it at one go. I am featured on Episode 6,7 and 8 of this documentary. 

Look out for my other post where i compile good documentaries about Bukit Brown found online. 

History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) - Episode 1 (Stories from the Hills)

Bukit Brown Cemetery is part of a larger complex which joints the cemetery of Seh Ong, Lau Sua (Old Hill) and Kopi Sua (Coffee Hill). Covering an area of nearly 400 acres and with over 200,000 graves. It has been documented as the largest Chinese cemetery complex outside of China.

History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) - Episode 2 (Early Settlers)

When Raffles first established Singapore as a trading post, the British conducted trades with certain members of the migrant community who gained their trust. Among them Tan Tock Seng, whose eldest son became one of the leading rice merchants at that time, establishing close ties with Thailand.

History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) - Episode 3 (How business was done )

Raffles Place, the commercial heart of Singapore. The history of Singapore's financial success takes root here. As a newly declared crown colony engaged in entrepôt trade, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 heralded an era of prosperity for Singapore.

History from the Hills - Episode 4 (Straits born vs. Sinkehs)

Over the course of history, Singapore has always attracted migrants upon our shores. These migrants in search of a better life often came pennants and with only the clothes on their backs. For early Chinese migrants, or sinkehs, straight off the boat, the need of these individuals for help and a place to gather was often met by the temples.

History from the Hills - Episode 5 (Reform, Revolution)

By the early 20th century, immigrants from China swarmed the Chinese population in Singapore to 200,000. Many were driven to seek a better life to escape the wars, famine of the Qing Dynasty. Those who make their fortunes began to congregate in gentlemen's clubs located at what became known as Club St.

History from the Hills - Episode 6 (The War Years)

The Second Sino-Japanese War marks some of the darkest days in China's 20th century history. News of the atrocities committed fuel the anger of the Chinese in Singapore. Funds were raised and supplies truck from Singapore to Yunnan were organised in a bid to keep the fight alive. Little did they know that the Japanese already set their sights further South.

History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) - Episode 7 (Rebuilding A Nation)

The Civilian War Memorial situated in the city centre is dedicated to the civilians who perished during the Japanese Occupation here in Singapore. The end of the war in September 1945 was the beginning of closure for families who lost their loved ones.

History from the Hills (Bukit Brown) - Episode 8 (The Future of Our Past) - Last Episode

When Bukit Brown first opened in January 1922 to the public, the Chinese were faced with the prospect of standard prescribed plots for burial which hampered geomancy practices or fengshui. In its first year, there were only 93 burials. But the Chinese gradually adapted to and accepted the constraints of space and location. By the 1940s, all available plots had been bought up but the demands for plots never wade so illegal swapping led to a lucrative black market. Where and how will future generations pay respects to ancestors is set to change.