Nicole Seah to make acting debut in 1965, movie's producer says she has 'the X factor'

Former opposition politician Nicole Seah, 28, will be making her acting debut with a splash in the local movie 1965, commemorating Singapore's 50 years of independence. -- PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE
Former opposition politician Nicole Seah, 28, will be making her acting debut with a splash in the local movie 1965, commemorating Singapore's 50 years of independence. -- PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE

Former opposition politician Nicole Seah, 28, will be making her acting debut in the local movie 1965, commemorating Singapore's 50 years of independence.

The movie's executive producer Daniel Yun has confirmed to The Straits Times that she will be starring in the movie as the wife of a police inspector played by actor Qi Yuwu.

Currently shooting the film in Batam, Yun says: "I noticed something about Nicole. She has that something that translated on screen and in print. You couldn't really define it. It is that thing we call the X factor that we find in one in a million.

"I told myself when she was no longer in politics, I would want to work with her. The opportunity came when I read she has left politics and was based in Bangkok. When I suggested to my director and production team, everyone was quite shocked. But they soon came around."

The articulate Seah caught the attention of the public when she contested in the 2011 General Elections for the National Solidarity Party. She went on to become the party's second assistant secretary-general, but resigned from the party in August. She relocated to Thailand in March to pursue an advertising career there.

Contrary to the strong independent image that Seah has, Yun says: "I wanted to cast her against type, for her to play someone not (in line with) her past and present image. Mei is this character who is totally devoted to her husband and family, quietly supportive and a housewife."

The $2.8-million movie is directed by Randy Ang, who did last year's cop thriller re:solve. It stars Qi's wife Joanne Peh and veteran actor Lim Kay Tong as Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

nggwen@sph.com.sg

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