FREEDOMFILMFEST

2009-12-05T16:05:00.001+08:00

FreedomFilmFest2010

2009-11-04T10:05:00.003+08:00

As you know, FreedomFilmFest2009 has come to an end last weekend. KOMAS would like to thank everyone who have assisted and supported from start to finish.

And thanks to your support, FreedomFilmFest will be back next year! Do check out this space for details when the next Dare2Document competition will be launch.

If you are inspired to make a film after this year's screenings, or have an issue in mind (whether it's a cause you believe in or something which is happening in your community) - now is the right time to start thinking on writing that film proposal for next year's Dare2Document Film Proposal competition. It's not that hard; a 3-5 page proposal with a detail explanation on your ideas and storyline is all that is needed! ;)

NEXT UPDATE: FreedomFilmFest LONDON is BACK again!

FFF2009 at JB!

2009-11-04T09:58:00.008+08:00

The final run of FreedomFilmFest2009 was held last weekend at Tropical Inn Johor Bahru. Prior to the 3-day festival, KOMAS also had a GADOH film screening for the first time in the state at Southern College.

The start of the 3-day festival saw Dr. Rani Padma, Imm. Past President of Soroptimist International giving a short opening address. Executive Director of KOMAS, Tan Jo Hann also facilitated the discussion sessions over 3-days.

KOMAS is also glad to see the number of FreedomFilmFest2009 followers getting bigger in JB! The FreedomFilmFest2009 would not be possible without the continuous support from our regulars and new followers. And especially to those who came in groups and sat down with us all day and night not missing a single discussion session that we had! And for that, we are grateful and glad that the democratic space we are opening up for people to watch relevant social documentaries and have discussions after is appreciated by others.

Filmmaker Choon Hiong also came down all the way from Singapore for the screening of his film All That You Can't Leave Behind. He shared his experience on how he got involved with activism and his experience in documenting his film.

If you have missed your chance and are regretting for not buying this year's FFF2009 T-shirts (by donation RM20) or would like to get more information on this year's winning films, please email freedomfilmfest@komas.org !

FreedomFilmFest2009 JOHOR BAHRU

2009-10-28T16:03:00.003+08:00

Presenting 23 heart-moving, eye-opening, award-winning human rights documentaries from Malaysia and around the world, over 3 days in 4 states.

30 OCTOBER-1 NOVEMBER, Tropical Inn, Johor Bharu

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

LAUNCH CEREMONY & OPENING FILM (Friday, 8 pm)

The 6th FreedomFilmFest2009 will be launched with the screening of AT STAKE, a brave and eye-opening documentary tackling taboo issues faced by Indonesian women. This anthology covers issues of female genital mutilation, unmarried women’s experiences at the gynecologist, prostitution, and the sexuality of a migrant worker.

PREMIERE OF FFF2009 WINNING FILMS! (Saturday, 8pm)

Al-Fatehah Memali by Rahmat Haron
This film portrays the journey of singer-songwriters, Black and Meor, trying to comprehend a massacre that happened in 1985 in Kg. Memali, Kedah. Their journey brings them to the village where they meet survivors and witnesses of the tragedy to uncover a forgotten story of injustice for most of Malaysia, but one forever etched in the hearts of those in Memali.

Kayuh by Soh Sook Hwa
This film is a first-hand account of a 100-strong contingent of cyclists in the JERIT cycling campaign who rode from Alor Setar and Johor Baharu to Kuala Lumpur for 16 days in order to address 6 major concerns of marginalized groups in Malaysia.

No Silver Lining: The Perak Crisis by The S-ploited.
What happens when “frogs” jump over to the other side? In Perak, when 3 elected representatives of the Pakatan Rakyat ‘hopped” over to become BN friendly, it started a political wrestling match for power between the two opposing political alliance.

* Entry is FREE but strictly by invitation only as it is a closed-door private event.

For inquiries and reservations of passes, please email freedomfilmfest@komas.org or call 017-3749887, with the following information:

1. FULL NAME
2. HP NUMBER
3. EMAIL
4. TITLE OF FILM
5. AMOUNT OF PASSES NEEDED

For full listing and schedule please click HERE.

Disclaimer:
Selection of films and program of the festival are the sole responsibility of the organising committee of the FreedomFilmFest. The venue providers are not involved in this process of selection and cannot be held accountable.

FFF KUCHING!

2009-10-28T10:49:00.006+08:00

FreedomFilmFest2009 was in Kuching for the second time last weekend! FFF2009, which was launch Friday night at KINGWOOD INN this year saw regulars from last year and newcomers alike to watch the series of documentaries KOMAS has to offer throughout the weekend.

We were also lucky to have one of the cyclists from the JERIT campaign to be with us on Saturday night during the premier of the FreedomFilmFest2009 winners! Not only that, filmmaker Hillary Chiew was also present to facilitate the discussion after the screening of her film Delaying Justice which touches on various local issues based in Sarawak.

We would like to thank everyone who turn up for FreedomFilmFest2009 and we hope to see you next year again!

FreedomFilmFest2009 will be screened in JOHOR BAHRU next weekend from Oct 30 - Nov 1 2009.

DEMOCRACY VIDEO CHALLENGE

2009-10-27T14:53:00.000+08:00

Starlight Cinema @ ARA Music Fest Vol 2

2009-10-22T20:29:00.003+08:00

The FreedomFilmFest2009 Winning films will be screened as part of the ARA Music Fest Vol 2 this weekend!

Date: 23 October 2009
Time: Midnight!
Venue: BUKIT KIARA EQUESTRIAN CLUB

KOMAS's latest feature film, GADOH will also be screened the next day!

Date: 24 October 2009
Time: Midnight!
Venue: BUKIT KIARA EQUESTRIAN CLUB

For more details, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=182238470030

The Star: FFF Winners

2009-10-19T17:45:00.000+08:00

Source: The Star Online

The Star: From ideals to videos

2009-10-19T14:12:00.001+08:00

A gutsy film festival shows how we can create a better world with nothing more than a cheap video camera, a computer and some dedication.

WHAT does the privatisation of our water supply have to do with Perak’s political controversies? How does possible poisoning from a gold mine in Raub relate to big oil palm companies grabbing land from the Ibans of Sarawak?

They all come together in the Freedom Film Fest (FFF) 2009, a showcase of “social documentaries” now into its sixth year in Malaysia.

To read the rest of the article, please click HERE.

Source: The Star, 18 October 2009.

FFF Kuching

2009-10-18T09:41:00.001+08:00

Please note that the venue for the Kuching leg of FreedomFilmFest2009 has been changed to Kingwood Inn Kuching.

For map, please click HERE.

For enquiries, please call 019 - 438 3706.

FFF2009 in PENANG!

2009-10-16T09:47:00.001+08:00

The Penang leg of FreedomFilmFest2009 was held at Han Chiang College over three days last week. Groups of locals be it FFF regulars and new fans dropped by throughout the day to watch the films we had to offer as well as participate in our discussions after.

On Saturday night, all three winners of the Justin Louis Award for FreedomFilmFest2009 also made an appearance for the premier of their films in Penang! These includes the winner of the Most Outstanding Human Rights Documentary Award Soh Sook Hwa and most of the JERIT team who are based in Penang. Senator Muhamad Yusof Husin also made a special appearance for the premier of the film Memali in Penang.

Each of the winners together with their guests had a Q&A and a sharing session with the audiences after the screening of their respective films. This is when unanswered questions in the documentaries are probed and more background stories are given personally to the audiences!

The KOMAS team would like to thank everyone who came for FreedomFilmFest2009 as well as to those who supported us from afar!

Stay tune next week for updates from KUCHING at KINGWOOD INN!

MALAYSIAKINI: FFF2009 Awards Night

2009-10-10T14:44:00.000+08:00

Source: http://www.malaysiakini.com

FFF KL

2009-10-07T16:33:00.002+08:00

FreedomFilmFest has indeed grown over the years. The 6th FreedomFilmFest was launched on Friday with the screening of AT STAKE to a full house!

Although many familiar faces were spotted among the crowd, the number of people who attended over the course of 3-days was close to a thousand, if not more. The Annexe Gallery was in a constant buzz of activity throughout the weekend even after the screenings at the end of the day.

FreedomFilmFest2009 not only showcased never before seen eye-opening and award winning documentaries, but also highlighted activities by various other NGOs working in Malaysia for equality, justice, and human rights. Among the many booths available throughout the 3-day festival includes the Voter Registration Booth by the Anak Bangsa Malaysia initiative, Gerai Orang Asli, SUARAM and Seksualiti Merdeka, among many others.

Not forgetting also the photo exhibition by PERMAS, an urban’s poor organisation in Malaysia which displayed images of the community’s initiatives, and an exhibition of the current situation in Burma by Amnesty International. These exhibitions certainty helped the audience in understand better the issues highlighted in a few of the documentaries screened throughout our festival.

The main highlight of the annual FreedomFilmFest was of course the Premiere of the Winning FFF2009 films on Saturday. The screenings, which was held simultaneously in two-packed-screening halls featured a live interactive discussion among the audiences in both room. This was followed by a rousing performance by singer-songwriters & activists Meor, Black and their friends.

During the awards ceremony after the film premier, the three winners of the FFF2009 Film Proposal Competition Rahmat Haron, Khaizan Sharizad and Soh Sook Hwa each received the Justin Louis Award to commemorate the completion of the production of their documentary with commentaries from FFF2009 Judges Haris Ibrahim and Fiona Lawson-Baker. Not only that, the announcement of the winner of the FFF2009 Best Completed Film Competition was made, whereby winner Thilaga Sulathireh received RM2,000 for her submitted documentary Peace Cyanide Hill.

Soh Sook Hwa’s documentary KAYUH was announced as The Most Outstanding Human Rights Documentary among the three FFF2009 Film Proposal Competition winners.

The NEXT SCREENINGS of the FFF2009 Winning Documentaries will be at Han Chiang College, Penang from October 9 – 11 next weekend. Please click HERE for full schedule.

AT STAKE: CROSSING BORDERS

2009-10-06T16:31:00.001+08:00

The opening of the FreedomFilmFest2009 last Friday managed to spark an intense discussion about various issues affecting women during the Q&A session. Officiated by Dr. Thomas Knirsch from Konrad Adenaur Foundation and the winners of FFF2009, the festival was kicked off by the screening of AT STAKE to a full house that night.

When the organisers were asked why AT STAKE was selected as an opening film for the 3-day festival, Anna Har, Director of KOMAS stated that the film set the standard for which she hopes human rights documentary filmmakers would aspire to, and that it was also apt in portraying issues Malaysians should know about.

AT STAKE, is an anthology of four documentaries touching on various issues affecting women in Indonesia and considered to be highly taboo. Although the film is primarily based on individuals in Indonesia, it still cuts across culture whereby women in Malaysia can relate to them one way or the other.

This rings true based on the response of the audience throughout the Q&A session and the response the organizers have received from them after the launch was over. Producer Nia Dinata, as well as one of the directors of the four anthologies Ucu Agustin was present during the screening.

Although the discussion was mostly dominated by questions from an eager audience wanting to know more about the issues portrayed in the films, Nia Dinata and Ucu Agustin also shared what they went through during the filmmaking process as well as how they went about to bring it to the public. Ucu, the director of the documentary Our Children’s Fund from the AT STAKE anthology, also shared her personal struggles in filmmaking her documentary.

FreedomFilmFest2009 would like to thank representatives from JAG (Joint Action Group for Gender Equality) for assisting the facilitators throughout the discussion.

Do catch the NEXT screening of AT STAKE in PENANG at Han Chiang College on Friday, 9th October 8 pm. For full schedule, please click HERE.

Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat

2009-10-05T17:04:00.001+08:00

A fantastic collection of progressive songs for Malaysia from singer-songwriter Meor Azziddin.

Our neighbours in Indonesia and Philipines have long had progressive songs to sing to and reflect the aspirations of the people. We Malaysians have few if any. ‘Dari Rakyat Untuk Rakyat‘ is an initiative to embody the progressive voice of the people into songs.

Written by individuals from civil society and put into song by singer-songwriter Meor, DRUR reflects real issues and expresses aspirations of a politically awakened Malaysia; from human rights lawyer Amer Hamzah’s song on ISA, activist/blogger Amin Iskandar’s lyrics on the Memali Massacre, Rahmat Harun’s poem on Shamsiah Fakeh, lyrics by Hishamudin Rais’ and notable poet PyanHabib, to Meor’s ‘Sampai Bila’ reflecting Malaysia’s longing for democracy and justice.

Songs from this CD are also featured and used in this year’s FreedomFilmFest2009’s winning films, Kayuh and Al Fatehah Memali. You can also buy this album at the Fredomfilmfest Screenings at RM20. Or make your bulk orders from Meor at meor67@yahoo.com OR Black at amin@aminiskandar.com.

Do visit Cakap Rakyat’s site for more information HERE.

PS: These songs are especially useful during candle-light vigils ;)

The Star: Freedom With Film

2009-10-02T14:38:00.000+08:00

The Freedom Film Fest is back with more thought-provoking and heart-tugging films.

MOST movie fans will find themes like the plight of transsexuals, freedom of religion or police brutality too heavy duty for Saturday night viewing.

But if the growth of the annual issue-based Freedom Film Fest 2009 (FFF2009) is any indication, films with social messages are catching on.

Now in its sixth year, the little-known film competition and screening has evolved into a major film event with a steady following.

To read the rest of the article, please click HERE.

Source: The Star, 2 October 2009.

KLUE: Remembering Memali?

2009-09-30T16:30:00.001+08:00

Hang on. Memali?

Pay attention: on 19 November 1985, hundreds of police personnel, under then- Home Minister Tun Musa Hitam, laid siege to Memali, Kedah, on the grounds that a deviant Islamic sect, lead by one Ibrahim Mahmud, had infected the village.

To read the rest of the article, please head to KLUE’s website HERE.

KLUE: CROSS-COUNTRY, HUMAN RIGHTS BIKING

2009-09-30T16:16:00.000+08:00

In the first week of December 2008, two convoys of bicycles set off from Alor Setar and Skudai. Aside from protective gear, the cyclists sported red T-shirts - these identified them as participants of the “People - The Force of Change” campaign. For the next two weeks, they became Public Menace No 1.

To read the rest of the story, please click HERE.

KLUE: Three Jumping Frogs

2009-09-30T15:52:00.000+08:00

The S-Ploited present No Silver Lining: The Perak Crisis. It’s a film about - still - everyone’s favourite horrifying political development, the frog-filled Perak state assembly take-over.

Sigh. Let’s refresh our memory, shall we?

1. In the March 2008 general election, the Pakatan Rakyat coalition won the state of Perak by a 3-seat majority.

2. On 25 January 2009, Umno member Nasarudin Hashim (and state assemblyman for Bota, Perak) left his party for the greener pastures of PKR. (Hop.)

3. By the end of January, PKR members Jamaluddin Mat Radzi (Behrang) and Mohd Osman Jailu (Changkat Jering) go missing. On 3 February, both declare themselves independents, shorn of official party affiliations. (Hop-hop.)

4. …..

To read the rest of the story, please click HERE.

FREEDOMFILMFEST SCHEDULE

2009-09-15T15:38:00.001+08:00

FRIDAY
30 Oct 2009 (JB)

8pm
At Stake (Pertaruhan)

SATURDAY
31 Oct 2009 (JB)

11.30am
Kongsi Dalam Gelap
Hide and Seek
Half Individual, Half Social
8760 Jam Pasca 8 Mac

2pm
Di Bawah Langit
Why Democracy is Better?

3pm
I Am Muslim Too: Heading To The Borders

4.30pm
Burma VJ
All That You Can't Leave Behind

8pm
No Silver Lining: Perak Crisis
Al-Fatehah Memali
Kayuh

SUNDAY

1 Nov 2009 (JB)

11am
Freedom Of Information
Flow
Water

2pm
Delaying Justice
Orang Asli Youth in The Moment

3.30pm
Carbon Connection
Peace Cyanide Hill

5pm
Prisoners of A White God

8pm
In Conversation With Suzy
Jihad For Love

//

Tayangan ini adalah berdasarkan JEMPUTAN sahaja kerana ianya adalah majlis tertutup. Untuk mendapatkan jemputan, sila emel freedomfilmfest@komas.org dengan maklumat yang berikut:

This screening is STRICTLY a close-door private event, to obtain free passes please email reservations to freedomfilmfest@komas.org with the following details:

1) FULL NAME / NAMA PENUH
2) EMAIL / EMEL
3) HP NUMBER / NOMBOR HP
4) NUMBER OF PASSES AND WHICH FILM / JUMLAH JEMPUTAN DAN FILEM MANA

FILM SYNOPSIS: SUNDAY

2009-09-15T15:36:00.003+08:00

Freedom Of Information

by Faisal Mustaffa

2009 | 15mins |English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

This documentary consists of interviews of victims as well as activists who strive for freedom of expression and information in Malaysia. Book banning, media control and discriminatory judgments are some of the issues that are taken up in this documentary.

–

Flow

by Irena Salina

2008 | 84mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

Irena Salina’s award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century – The World Water Crisis.

Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply and introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, and begs the question “CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?”

–

Water

by Dominic Allen

2008 | 50secs | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

A public service announcement on bottled water.

–

Delaying Justice

by Hillary Chiew

2009 | 30mins | English

Indigenous communities which are experiencing land grabs for all sorts of development projects, particularly logging and plantations, are turning to the court for justice. However, this inevitable road is often bumpy and strewn with further anxieties, intimidations and potentially fatal.

–

Orang Asli Youth in The Moment

by Lesly Leon Lee

2009 | 25mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

The Filmmaker went on a short journey amongst the orang asli youth of the Mah Meri, Temuan and Jakun tribe to learn about how they view ambition, dreams and work. The film hopes to evoke the question of who we are, where we came from, and where are we heading to.

–

Carbon Connection

by Fenceline Films and Community Training & Development Unit

2009 | 40mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

The Carbon Connection follows the story of two groups of people from each community who learned to use video cameras and made their own films about living with the impacts of the carbon market. From mental health issues in Scotland to the loss of medicinal plants in Brazil, the communities discover the connections they have with each other.

–

Peace Cyanide Hill

by Thilaga Sulathireh

2009 | 30mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

Bukit Koman, situated in the heart of Raub in Pahang was once known to be the “gold capital” via the promising extraction of gold. In 2009, the gold mining company and its allies decided to extract the remaining gold, this time allegedly with the use of cyanide. Fearing for their lives and health, the villagers have lodged dissent against the alleged use of cyanide. Despite these concerns, the corporation, government and legal system have thus far ignored the pleas of the desperate villagers.

–

Prisoners of a White God

by Steve Tichtag

2008 | 51mins | Czech Republic with English & Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

A Czech researcher Tomáš Ryška spent nearly two years in Thai and Laosen mountains in order to search for causes of wrongdoing and violence that is done to the Akhas and their children. This dramatic documentary investigates the reality and change experience by a small mountain ethnic tribe.

–

In Conversation with Suzy

by Hazuan Hashim / Phil Maxwell

2008 | 8mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

This short documentary follows the life and thoughts of Suzy, a transgender living in Malaysia.

–

Jihad For Love

by Parvez Sharma

2008 | 80 mins | Arabic/Urdu/French etc. with English & Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

In Western media, the concept of ‘jihad’ is often narrowly equated with “war”. But Jihad also has a deeper meaning. It literally means ‘struggle’ or ‘to strive in the path of God’. In this documentary, we meet several characters engaged in their personal Jihad for love. Their pursuit of love has brought them into conflict with their countries, families, and even themselves. Such is the struggle of being both homosexual and Muslim, a reality of a minority that is so taboo that very little about it has been documented. The documentary captures different perspectives in an atmosphere of healthy debate and dialogue.

–

FILM SYNOPSIS: SATURDAY

2009-09-13T15:38:00.004+08:00

Kongsi Dalam Gelap

by Melissa Saila

2007 | 12mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

What happens when two people are trapped together in a unit? Bare confessions and truth meet two strangers sharing the same fate. Where are they? Will their newfound mission take off? All to be answered in the DARK.

–

Hide and Seek

by Lim Hendry

2009 | 10 mins | Burmese with Bahasa Malaysia and English subtitles

This is a documentary about Burmese refugees in Malaysia where they share their painful, courageous life experiences and hopes for the future.

–

Half Social, Half Individual

by Mohammad Reza Shams

2008 | 3mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

This short art film explores the concept of democracy using colors as a base of exploration and expressions of individuality and unity.

–

8760 Jam Pasca 8 Mac

by Ahmad Mukhlis Bashah / Fariz Zainudin

2009 | 27mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

There is hope now for Malaysia. We ‘rakyat’ wanted change. A progressive and democratic society among others, we wanted a new political culture, where feudalism, corruption, nepotism, hypocrisy and double standards are done away with once and for all. In other words, we wanted our ‘broken democracy fixed’.

–

Di Bawah Langit

by Fiqtriey-al Haqimiey

2009 | 20mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

How does an urban poor community successfully withstand 5 demolitions and 3 years of endless harassment from various local authorities and developer? The people of Kg. Berembang in Ampang, Selangor, tells their gritty struggle in claiming their right and aspirations.

–

Why Democracy is Better?

by Mat Blackwell

2007 | 2mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

A short animation film on the irony of governments and power.

I Am Muslim Too ! Heading To The Border

by Zan Lee

2009 | 65mins | English

Zan Azlee is a Malay Muslim documentary filmmaker living in Kuala Lumpur. Being a lazy cook, he often has his meals in the many Thai/Kelantanese food stalls known as Tom Yam Kung stalls. While eating dinner one day, he remembers a news report saying that the South Thailand insurgency in Patani was mainly supported financially by Tom Yam Kung stalls in Malaysia (the Thai military government made the claim but the Malaysian government says it is absurd). The news story amused him and seeing that the people in South Thailand are Malay Muslims just like himself, he decides to pack up his video camera and head on up to South Thailand to see what is going on there.

–

Burma VJ

by Anders Østergaard

2008 | 85mins | Burmese with English & Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

Though risking torture and life in jail, courageous young citizens of Burma live the essence of journalism as they insist on keeping up the flow of news from their closed country. The film offers a unique insight into high-risk journalism and dissidence in a police state, while at the same time providing a thorough documentation of the historical and dramatic days of September 2007 that gave the world iconic images of Buddhist monks marching.

–

All That You Can’t Leave Behind

by By Choon Hiong Ho

2009 | 28mins | English with Bahasa Malaysia subtitles

John Moe is an ordinary Burmese national who left his home country in search of a better life. He ended up living and working in Singapore for over eleven years. Little did he and a few other Burmese realize that their future became irrevocably altered when they decided to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in Singapore for a series of peaceful protests and activities against the Burmese military Junta.

–

Al-Fatehah Memali

by Rahmat Haron

2009 | 30mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

Recipient of FFF2009 Justin Louis Award:

Al-Fatehah Memali portrays the journey of singer-songwriters, Black and Meor, trying to comprehend a massacre that happened in 1985 in Kg. Memali, Kedah. Their journey brings them to the village where they meet survivors and witnesses of the tragedy to uncover a forgotten story of injustice for most of Malaysia, but one forever etched in the hearts of those in Memali.

Al-Fatehah Memali memaparkan perjalanan dua orang penyanyi penulis dan penggubah lagu, Black dan Meor yang menyingkap peristiwa pembunuhan beramai-ramai di Kg. Memali, Kedah. Perjalanan ini membawa mereka ke kampung tersebut dimana mereka bertemu dengan mangsa-mangsa dan saksi peristiwa berkenaan. Sungguhpun tragedi ini kian dilupai oleh masyarakat Malaysia, ianya tetap diingati oleh mereka di Memali.

–

No Silver Lining: The Perak Crisis

by The S-ploited

2009 | 20mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

Recipient of FFF2009 Justin Louis Award:

What happens when “frogs” jump over to the other side? In Perak, when 3 elected representatives of the Pakatan Rakyat ‘hopped” over to become Barisan Nasional friendly, it started a political wrestling match for power between the two opposing political alliance. No Silver Lining seeks to make sense of the issue, and the aspirations of the people of Perak.

Apa terjadi apabila 'katak-katak' melompat? Apabila 3 wakil Pakatan Rakyat telah melompat untuk menjadi penyokong Barisan Nasional, ianya telah mencestuskan pergaduhan politik untuk muasa antara dua persekutuan politik yang bertentangan ini. No Silver Lining berusaha untuk memahami isu ini dan juga aspirasi-aspirasi rakyat Perak.

–

Kayuh

by Soh Sook Hwa

2009 | 30mins | Bahasa Malaysia with English subtitles

Recipient of FFF2009 Justin Louis Award:

Kayuh is a first-hand account of a 100-strong contingent of cyclists who rode from Alor Setar and Johor Baharu to Kuala Lumpur for 16 days in order to address 6 major concerns of marginalized groups in Malaysia. The filmmaker, a participant in the cycling campaign herself, attempts to put a human face to the 6 demands contained in a memorandum that was handed over to the Parliament at the end of the journey.

Kayuh adalah kisah pengalaman 100 orang pengayuh basikal yang berkayuh dari Alor Setar dan JB ke KL selama 16 hari untuk menyebar kesedaran tentang 6 isu-isu utama yang menjadi prihatin rakyat Malaysia terpinggir. Pengarah filem ini, yang juga merupakan peserta dalam kempen ini berusaha memberi makna dari segi kehidupan bagi setiap usul yang dibentangkan dalam memorandum yang diberikan kepada Parlimen pada akhir perjalanan.

FILM SYNOPSIS: FRIDAY

2009-09-13T15:37:00.001+08:00

At Stake

by Iwan Setiawan & Muhammad Ichsan / Lucky Kuswandi / Ucu Agustin / Ani Ema Susanti

2008 | 106mins | Bahasa Indonesia with English subtitles

Produced by Nia Dinata, “At Stake” is a documentary anthology of four stories by five directors on politics and discourse about women in Indonesia. Topics explored include the practice of women circumcision in Indonesia, another observes two women serving sex at night on the hard surface of Chinese graveyards while hammering rocks during the day to make ends meet. Another film sees three unmarried women who try to get treatment for their reproductive issues, and the last film focuses on two migrant workers in Hong Kong facing different dilemmas: Rutiwat must choose between staying a virgin or damaging her health, and Rianti ponders the possibility of coming out of the closet when she is back in Indonesia.

FreedomFilmFest Winning Documentaries

2009-07-19T14:13:00.000+08:00

Stay tune! The winning FreedomFilmFest documentaries from the past 6 years will be available online soon!

Real Change?

2009-03-09T13:25:00.001+08:00

Real Change?! In Malaysia?

Yes, you got that right. As you might already know, FreedomFilmFest is looking for stories of real change - after Malaysia's 2008 general elections.

As depicted in our thematic video above, we see a woman being empowered after exercising her right as a Malaysian to vote. Are there changes in your life? Or is everything still the same ol' story? It is all about what your perception of real change in Malaysia!

So why 'Real Change?' You see, we wanted to highlight the reawakening of the people's power in bringing forth change to the nation. At the end of the day, we want Malaysians to realize that for change to happen - it must start within ourselves. As the famous quote by Gandhi goes, "Be the change you want to see in the world".

During the launch of FreedomFilmFest2009 in February, different versions of Real Change stories have came out during the discussion. To some, nipping corruption is a sign of real change. Although it is not possible to end corruption in Malaysia overnight - it is a start. And for others, the increasing role of women in contributing to the development in Malaysia compared to years ago is a sign of real change!

Do keep in mind that these changes need not necessarily be political. It could be something you experience in your normal daily life - however mundane it may be, or maybe even at work or during class lectures. It could even be within yourself, did you suddenly feel more brave to voice out your thoughts since last year? Is the atmosphere in your classroom 'different'? If you are a lecturer or a teacher, did you see any changes among your students?

So, what are you waiting for?! Pen down your thoughts of real change and submit your proposals now! Your story could just be what we are looking for. Please click here for details.

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About FreedomFilmFest

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The KOMAS Freedom Film Festival (FFF) is the first film event of its kind in Malaysia. FFF adopts the themes encompassed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which express our aspirations for genuine justice, peace, equality and democracy.

Through an annual film contest, workshops and screenings, FFF creates an annual showcase of outstanding films and documentaries focusing on social issues that affect ordinary people like HIV/AIDS, human rights, poverty and the environment; alternative films which, due to a lack of commercial backing and because of the tyranny of popular mainstream media, are out of the reach to most Malaysians.

FFF is a vital event, providing a venue for the Malaysian public to use the video medium as a tool for social documentation and filmmaking. Technological advances have brought about a democratising effect to filmmaking in recent years. With a video camera in hand, almost any person on the street, and even entire communities, can share their story in the way they want to tell it. Filmmakers are better equipped now to explore and express their skills and passion to produce socially relevant films.

CONTACT US

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Tel/Fax: 03 - 7968 5415
HP: 017 - 3749 887
Email: freedomflmfest@komas.org

SCREENING DATES

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Kuala Lumpur: The Annexe, Central Market 3-5th October 2009

Penang: Han Chiang College, Lim Lean Teng Road 9-11th October 2009

Kuching: Kingwood Inn, Kuching 23-25th October 2009)

Johor: Tropical Inn, Jalan Gereja 30th October – 1st November 2009