The entrepreneur behind independent cinema The Projector shares how she wants to help make the world a more inclusive place. Karen Tan cringes a little whenever someone describes her brainchild, The Projector, as “hipster”. Other than its unconventional location on the fifth floor of Golden Mile Tower, she says the independent cinema and event space doesn’t try to be bohemian. What it tries to do is inspire creativity, cultural appreciation and a sense of belonging. “We don’t want The Projector to come off as intimidating, but welcoming for a diverse group of people,” says the co-founder of Pocket Projects, the creative development consultancy and management company that, in 2014, transformed the space once known as the Golden Theatre into the independent cinema it is today. The concept has worked, and now the place brims with various personalities, from indie film buffs to curious individuals. It has three theatre halls of varying vibes, which have been used for film festivals, kindergarten graduation ceremonies and even town hall meetings by banks. “From the start, the physical space inspired its purpose,” says Karen. “And that’s to fill a gap in the Singapore landscape and be an alternative entertainment and cultural platform.” Here, she shares more about her childhood aspirations, favourite films and love for reviving old spaces.