TRIBECA REVIEW: ‘All the Lines Flow Out’

Surely one of the most haunting short films to play the Tribeca Film Festival this year is All the Lines Flow Out. Charles Lim’s 21-minute film, which is presented in the Journeys Across Cultural Landscapes program, is a strangely mysterious look at Sinagpore’s network of drainage systems. It might not sound like provocative subject matter, but Lim’s camera captures many beautiful moments. From the pouring rain in the foreground to a team of investigators looking for something mysterious in the background, these concrete tunnels appear to be repositories for life and death.

There are people on screen, but hardly no dialogue. We are led to believe that something nefarious has occurred in the water, perhaps even a murder. Without any further explanation on how these images are all connected, we are left with our own scrutiny. This gives us ample time to focus on the imagery, most of which is centered around moving water. Sometimes it’s the slow ripples of man-made rapids in the tunnels, while other times it’s the falling rain. We see the choppy waters of the sea and the calming serenity of a small wave tripping itself onto a sandy beach.

These images of longkangs (the Malay word for drain) linger long after the rain ceases. Lim knows how to capture beauty in seemingly ugly places.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• All the Lines Flow Out will play April 19 and 27 at 7 p.m. (Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 5); April 28 at 11:30 p.m. (Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 4); and April 29 at 11 a.m. (Tribeca Cinemas Theater 1). Click here for more information.