When we first embarked on "Return to Pontianak", we had no idea that the ultra low budget mini-DV to 35mm film feature would garner such a response yet alone open our doors to so many opportunities.

'Return to Pontianak' was made on a shoestring budget of US$100,000. In South Asia, it is the first digital movie of its kind to use a consumer Mini-DV format for principal photography. It was then transferred to 35 mm film for cinema release.

The film got made through the support of some enterprising young IT entrepreneurs, thus we managed to raise funds necessary to bring the tapes to Hollywood's respected CFI lab and had the 83 minute horror-suspense feature transferred to film. We had lots of encouragement from the professionals who have seen a vast array of Hollywood and independent films pass through their doors. "Keep it up guys, you're on the right path" they said. These words of inspiration and encouragement made us believe that high budgets do not make a great film, but great stories with a dedicated team of people do.

Asian distributor, Shaw Brothers came along who, upon hearing about "Return to Pontianak" as well as our next project "Perth" had us sign with them a 3 picture deal for distribution. This led to the television networks taking notice of us and thus launched 'Ball Sense', our TV series co-production with Singapore television network, Mediacorp Studios.

We also managed to secure an exhibition deal with Virgin Cinemas Japan for a 6 screen release of "Return to Pontianak". The film will see its festival run through the Singapore International Film Festival, the American Cinematheque, the Philippine International Film Festival in June 2001, and the LA Asian American Film Festival 2001.

Often times when the chips were stacked against us, we asked ourselves why we had even bothered to attempt the impossible. But we stuck to our guns and with sheer determination and bloody-mindedness, we have achieved a great deal without having to stop to new lows or compromising our principals. Much of it could be put to pure luck and timing but we should also say that much of it was pure doggedness, refusing to lay down and just getting on with it, get the job done attitude.

Hence, Vacant Films to us is a congregation of people who share the notion that story-telling should not be limited by resources, and that good stories can flourish given the proper management, technology and direction. To any would be filmmakers, we say, keep trying. We did. We were told by many we couldn't and shouldn't, but in the end we made it. And we know that you can too.