Singapore content creator Annette Lee gives refund to one moviegoer after debut film feedback session
Singapore content creator Annette Lee held a feedback and refund session for viewers of her film Dream Stall after publicly inviting dissatisfied audiences to return their tickets and share criticism. Only one attendee requested a refund at the event.
- Annette Lee held a refund and feedback session for viewers of her film Dream Stall.
- The initiative followed her Instagram post inviting dissatisfied audiences to return ticket stubs.
- Only one attendee requested a refund, citing concerns about filming location and authenticity.
Singapore content creator Annette Lee held a feedback and refund session on 5 June for viewers of her debut film Dream Stall, following a public invitation she made on Instagram encouraging dissatisfied audiences to come forward.
In a video posted on 26 May 2026, Lee said she had noticed a tendency among some Singaporeans to dismiss local films, sometimes due to past disappointing experiences.
She added that while cinemas remain the best way to experience films, she wanted to rebuild trust in local productions.
Lee said viewers who felt her film was a “waste of time” could approach her directly with their ticket stubs during a dedicated session, where she would listen to feedback and issue refunds if requested.
She emphasised that the offer was serious and not a publicity stunt.
Film debut and audience response
Dream Stall, which opened on 27 May 2026, is Lee’s debut feature film, where she serves as director, lead scriptwriter and lead actress.
The comedy-drama follows a young university graduate who revives her family’s bak kut teh business. The cast includes Mark Lee, Ya Hui, Xixi Lim and Xander Pang.
According to The Straits Times (ST), Lee later hosted the feedback session at a seminar room in *Scape, where 12 people attended after her public invitation.
Of those present, only one viewer requested a refund.
The attendee, a 29-year-old software engineer who declined to be named, had paid S$15 to watch the film at GV Tampines on 29 May and received a full cash refund at the session.
Viewer feedback on authenticity and humour
The attendee told ST that his main concern was the film’s depiction of its setting, noting that several restaurant scenes were filmed in Malaysia despite the story being set in Singapore.
He said this affected the film’s sense of immersion, adding that background visuals and surroundings did not reflect what he associated with Singapore’s urban environment.
Lee responded that production constraints made filming in Singapore difficult, citing challenges in securing suitable locations and rental arrangements.
She added that visual effects were later used to enhance the background scenery.
The attendee also said certain comedic elements and dialogue felt unnatural, particularly in scenes referencing Taiwanese films, which he felt did not align smoothly with the delivery style.
Lee acknowledged that Singapore’s linguistic diversity influences on-screen dialogue, adding that she hopes audiences will become more accustomed to local speech patterns in cinema.
Mixed reflections after the session
Despite his criticisms, the attendee told ST that Lee’s willingness to offer refunds demonstrated confidence and openness to feedback, which he appreciated.
He added that he still had “mixed feelings” about the film but acknowledged the opportunity to speak directly with the filmmaker.
Lee later told ST that she found the session meaningful and appreciated the constructive nature of the feedback, noting that even the attendee who requested a refund engaged respectfully in the discussion.
