Richard Streitmatter-Tran was orphaned as an infant during the Vietnam war and adopted by an American family from Massachusetts, where he was subsequently raised. After an eventful childhood and upbringing which culminated in him joining the US military, serving in desert storm, and then attending art school on the G.I. bill, Richard returned to Vietnam to teach art at university before leaving his job a few years ago to pursue a full time career as an artist. 'Belong' follows Richard as he reflects on his life, his work and his legacy, with his thoughts and memories framed by lyrics from the 5 songs that have been most significant to his journey so far.
'Belong' was filmed across Singapore during Richard’s residency at the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art, and is the second in the 'How We Live Now' series of short films, exploring the importance of music in people's lives. Visit here to read the full feature, which includes an honest, in-depth and insightful follow up interview with Richard himself.
*'Belong' won the award for Best Cinematography at the 2019 Oregon Documentary Film Festival,
*was an Official Selection of London's 3rd Papaya Rocks Film Festival,
*was nominated for the Best Cinematography and Best Documentary Film awards at the 2020 Georgia Documentary Film Festival,
*and was an Official Selection of the 2020 Georgia Shorts Film Festival.
Directed by Dillon M. Banda
Cinematography by Dillon M. Banda
1st AC Basil Tan
Editing / Colour Grade by Sean Cunningham
Production Assistance by Jenny Do
Score by David A. Molina
Produced by SoundChips
Click here to view a series of photographs taken at Richard's home studio on 35mm and medium format film, and here to view a series of behind-the-scenes photos.