10 Questions with Irwan Idris, Director of “NS23” Skate Film

We took Irwan Idris, the filmmaker behind NS23, to Somerset Skate Park to capture his moves and hear his thoughts on Singapore’s skate culture.

Irwan wears DC Worker Slim Fit Chinos and DC Wes Kremer 25.

Irwan Idris, a skater turned filmmaker, has been skating for over 16 years. In this time, he has witnessed firsthand the development of Singapore’s skate scene. To celebrate the culture and put fellow skaters in the spotlight, Irwan decided to make a short skate film titled NS23. The film was picked up by Straatosphere and will be screened publicly on July 22^nd. Register your seat here.

How did you pick up skating?
My former classmate from secondary school brought a skateboard magazine to class. I was curious and read it; I got hooked ever since.

What’s the most unforgettable experience you’ve had while skating? 
The best days were those days when my best friends and I used to skate back in the day, when we were much younger. We had so much fun.

Irwan wears DC Worker Ben Tshirt, DC Worker Slim Fit Chinos and DC Trase 5 SE Tristan.

How far along has Singapore’s skate culture come since its early days?
Back then, there were crews that represented the different neighborhoods that they came from. But things have changed; everyone is more united today.

How does Singapore’s skate culture compare to that of other countries’?
I feel that Singapore skate culture is in its “teenage” years compared to other places such as Los Angeles and Europe.

How can we “grow up”? 
I guess we need an equal number of skate plazas and skate parks, so that the skaters here can widen their capabilities. Having the facilities will also give skaters more motivation to keep skating regardless of age, or where they come from.

Irwan wears DC Worker Slim Fit Chinos and DC Trase 5 SE Tristan.

Why did you decide to make NS23?
I’ve been skating at Somerset Skate Park ever since it officially opened in 2006. I feel that it is not just a skate park. It’s a hangout place as well and there is so much culture to be experienced. I decided to make NS23 to commemorate Somerset Skate Park’s 10^th anniversary.

In making NS23, what challenges did you face?
One of the challenges I faced was that I had plans to shoot with a drone to get aerial footage of people skating. Unfortunately, that plan backfired due to wireless interference.

You gathered some old clips from the now-defunct NYC Skatepark. What are your best memories of that park?
There have been so many memories, but I have to say, the gnarly tricks that I witnessed others perform and the friendships that were forged at that park remain the most dear to me.

Irwan wears DC Major 5 Ls Tee, DC Worker Slim Fit Chinos and DC Trase 5 SE Tristan.

Why is this period an ideal moment to share NS23 with the skating community in Singapore?
I feel that the community would appreciate the place more after watching the film. This will also remind them that Somerset is not just a skate park but a location where values and friendship are created.

Will you be making a sequel in time to come?
Hopefully yes, with the upcoming generation of skaters!

Irwan wears DC Major 5 Ls Tee, DC Worker Slim Fit Chinos and DC Trase 5 SE Tristan.

The screening of NS23 will be held on July 22^nd 2016, 8pm — 10pm. Register for the screening here. Seats are limited, so hurry!

This interview with Irwan Idris has been edited and condensed. 

Read More: Catch the Screening of NS23, a Film About Singapore’s Skate Culture