Growth Mindset :
Embracing Discomfort

“Just because you are not good at something, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try.” This mindset, embraced by Singaporean scriptwriter Tan Chin Hsien, allowed the recent Film & Media Studies graduate to preserve his grandfather’s legacy in a heartfelt documentary, “The Recipe”.

The film, which provides an intimate glimpse into a proud family tradition of passing on the craft of roasting duck, underscores how embracing one’s heritage links people across lifetimes.

During his interview with OKJ on Qrious Culture, Chin Hsien revealed how his film served as a final thank you to his grandfather and everything he had done for his family. His grandfather, Mr. Har Wai Yui, was suffering from cancer before the project commenced. However, as Chin Hsien was ideating a story for his Final Year Project at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Film & Media Studies diploma, he took the opportunity to jump into the deep end and connect with his grandfather and family before it was too late.

Prior to the making of “The Recipe,” Chin Hsien was very reserved in his family, citing his lack of confidence and proficiency in his mother tongue, Mandarin Chinese, as a key reason for this lived experience. He was also not good with his hands and thus never expressed an interest in learning how to roast duck from his grandfather, a skill that had been passed down for generations.

While acknowledging his shortcomings, Chin Hsien intentionally layered his documentary with personal challenges so that the story could be as compelling for audiences as possible. “I believe that the heart of a good story is the journey that the character goes through. When we see our characters grow, we get attached to them,” shared Chin Hsien.

While taking the unconventional route of scripting a documentary to shape the audience's viewing experience, he also took it as a chance to plot out his “self-improvement plan” on how he would take on the challenge of conversing in Mandarin and learning how to roast duck.

The then 20-year-old scriptwriter acknowledged he was tense and awkward on screen as he was also uncomfortable being the center of attention. However, being in front of lights and cameras was yet another challenge he gave himself so that he could grow.

This mindset of embracing discomfort emboldened Chin Hsien’s resolve when he nearly wanted to quit several times during the project. “The central message of the film isn’t the fact that you do it once and you overcome the challenge, but rather the act of trying,” said the scriptwriter.

“The Chin Hsien in the film, that’s not who I am anymore. I am continuously on that journey to a better version of myself, be it through filmmaking, storytelling, or whatever I’m doing in life.”

Chin Hsien believes that it is respectable for people to try despite how uncomfortable the challenges may be. “It’s when we go out of this comfort zone that we grow and do things we never thought were possible,” said Chin Hsien as he reflected on his growth since making his film.

Chin Hsien’s grandfather passed away before filming of “The Recipe” was complete, leading to an incredibility personal and vulnerable final scene in which Chin Hsien poured his heart out directly to the camera. This scene proved that while documentary and plot points were scripted, the story and emotions are indisputably real.

Through "The Recipe," Tan Chin Hsien has preserved a piece of his family’s heritage while inspiring others to embrace their roots regardless of the challenges. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and the value of connecting with one’s heritage.

Chin Hsien’s insights into the making of “The Recipe” offers a compelling perspective that encourages viewers to reflect on their connections with family, heritage and culture. It serves as a poignant reminder that in the face of discomfort, it is the act of trying rather than the act of overcoming obstacles that enables us to persist and achieve what we never thought possible.