This low-budget Singaporean film is a surprisingly impressive debut feature by Teo Eng Tiong. Though shot with little money, it has a strong script and direction, convincing acting and overall good technical package.

The engaging story tells of a TV reporter (Yvonne Lim) investigating a string of suicides at a one-room HDB flat. There she finds a woman who is so poor she has steal food from the offerings made to the dead. Instinct tells the reporter that this is the story to pursue — and not the suicides…

Showing for a limited period at GV cinemas, Truth Be Told should be seen by anyone who supports the Singapore film industry. Shot with a skeletal but talented crew, it tells its story simply, economically and effectively. It touches on a variety of Singapore issues like the neglected one-room HDB dwellers, the problem of loan sharks, and dreams and hopes of common Singaporeans.

Catch it if you can.