Hallmark Channel enters a new chapter with Cages

For the first time ever, Hallmark Channel will showcase an Asian movie, Cages, in its programme line-up. Shot entirely in Singapore, Cages was acquired recently by Sparrowhawk International and will debut on 13th May to coincide with Mother’s day. Cages will be seen by over 21 million viewers in 20 Asian countries which include Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand. Cages will be the main highlight of Hallmark Channel’s Mother’s Day Specials.

Last March, the visually impaired was invited to watch this film in the cinema. According to one of the attendees, the vocal part of the movie provides him with the story line. Examples ofenhanced sound effects include singing birds, rain falling on the ground and"angry" sounds after an argument.

Cages is about a strong, single mother who comes face-to-face with her despised and estranged father of 20 years. It is a story of three generations, blinded by miscommunication and family expectations guided to clarity by her 7 year old son, who is visually impaired. The movie was shot entirely in High-Definition video, facilitating the beautiful cinematography of the Singapore landscape.

Cages features Singaporean actress, Tan Kheng Hua in her first international starring role in a movie. It also stars Oscar nominee, the late Japanese-American actor Makoto Iwamatsu, world-renowned Zelda Rubinstein of Poltergeist fame, and Bollywood actor Asrani.

Making his acting debut is Singaporean Dickson Tan, who is visually impaired – he personally typed the script in Braille. The movie has enhanced sound effects to give the visually impaired an opportunity to experience the film better.

According to the Managing Director of Sparrowhawk International (Asia Pacific), Andrew Hanna, “This is Hallmark Channel’s first acquisition of Asian content – we chose Cages for its high production values, sterling performances and compelling story. We are dedicated to delivering the very best in contemporary television drama, with stories and situations that strike a chord with lives we lead today – and we felt Cages met those standards. We hope the story will touch audiences across Asia.”

Cages is written and directed by American Graham Streeter and beautifully cinematographed by Mark Lapwood. Cages were shot in places such as Club Street, Ang Mo Kio Bird Arena, Thian Hock Kheng Temple, Chinatown, Arab Street, Changi Jetty and the now defunct Tiong Bahru bird aviary.


Read the review of Cages here