Indrani Kopal, one of the winners for FFF 2007 for her documentary “She’s My Son”, was recently nominated for The Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) Dream Malaysia ‘Most Outstanding Youth’ Award. AYA seeks to give recognition and to reward young individuals (aged 18 – 33) who have overcome and may still be overcoming obstacles in their lives to be where they are today. For more info please visit http://www.ayaawards.com/index.cfm The winners will be announced at AYA Dream Malaysia Awards Night to be held on 9th of November 2008 at KLPac. Invitation passes will be available for sale soon. Stay tuned!

“Raised in the city of Kuala Lumpur and the eldest of four siblings, she has been afflicted with a hormonal imbalance in her system that resulted in hair loss since she hit puberty. Despite having a poor self-image, she persevered and gained her confidence through the art of dancing and the inspiration of her dancer teacher.

Now an award winning video journalist famed for “She’s My Son?, she seeks to abolish slavery and strives to improve the social and living standards by capturing the heart of destitute and bringing these issues to light.”

To vote for Indrani:

Step 1:
Type: AYA Y 3

Step 2:
Send to: 36828

AYA TEAM
http://www.ayaawards.com/

Ah Penang. The final frontier. The last man standing. The end of the road…It was a strategic decision to visit Penang last because Penang is like FFF’s second home, it’s second nature, it’s surrogate mother (too Freudian?). Penang was our final blow out and we had always meant to finish as we had begun in KL, playing to a warm, welcoming and appreciating crowd, a familiar crowd, a supportive and encouraging crowd. Many many thanks to the Penang FFF Team who’s passion for FFF was truly felt and appreciated – Kris Khaira, Ong Boon Keong, Penang coordinator, Joshua Boss, Agnes James and the entire team at Wawasan Open University and everyone else, including all our volunteers and resource people, who contributed, taking time out over the weekend, to make FFF yet another success on the island. Special thanks to P Ramakrishnan, President of Aliran and DAP MP Jeff Ooi for gracing the event at WOU and extending such kind and encouraging words towards KOMAS and FFF.

WOU was a fantastic venue with its state of the art equipment, comfortable seating with a much larger capacity than 2007, free parking and not to mention, the brilliant sea side locale. Perhaps slightly off the beaten path, but I think we silenced all those skeptics showing you can’t keep Penangnites away from FFF. And not only was there the usual suspects but a lot of new faces too, which proves the event is expanding and reaching out to new audiences and that we are not just preaching to the converted.

And it wasn’t just Penang where we found fresh, new voices. Both JB and Kuching, in fact, pleasantly suprised us with the overwhelming support from the communities there, especially Kuching where FFF was visitng for the first time and the response was rather suprising. Strangely, ‘The Native Land Rights’ session did not seem to hit a such a raw nerve, as we expected it to, while Justin’s film ‘Who Speaks For Me?’ caused waves as did ‘Pecah Lobang’. Our experiences in these cities also reinforced how vital FFF is and why every year the FFF team puts so much effort into making the event just as good in the other states.

Every year the biggest criticism of FFF is that the publicity was lacking even though the numbers are always up from the previous year. But you’re right, we can always do better. And to that I have only this to say – FREEDOMFILMFEST is a community event. In order for it to grow, remain vital and reach a bigger audience it requires the participation and organisation of the communities who wish to be involved. It’s definitely an important lesson I have learned from the process of coordinating such a large scale but small event. I take as an example the courage and passion of all the foreign filmmakers and activists, many who are struggling to make ends meet, who traveled around Malaysia with FFF to talk about their films in the hope that they can effect change through their films or through the workshops they give or simply just by talking about the issues they stand for. Without them, the event would not exist. In the same vain, without an open minded audience, ready to be engaged, FFF would also simply, not exist.

So if you attended this year in KL, JB, Kuching or Penang, if you loved it, hated it, moved by anything you saw, I ask you to please please tell as many people as you know. Get involved! Become a volunteer. Take up the local coordinator’s role. Call, write, email us with your ideas. Hold your own mini FFF screenings. Buy the FFF dvds. Have talks, workshops, write on your blogs, write to the papers, mention it in columns. Just do do do do it! All it takes for FFF to be better is if eveybody just ‘did’. Start today…

Thank you again for all your support and I really can’t wait to see you all next year!

Elaine Foster
FFF 2008 Coordinator (on behalf of Pusat KOMAS)

The Old Court House near Kuching’s famous waterfront proved to be the perfect setting for FFF 2008s virgin trip to Sarawak. Set against a backdrop of lush tropical gardens (read way too many bad travel articles), the Old Court House, on normal days a place for locals and tourists alike to hang out, this weekend transformed into a very well utilised democratic space. FFF caused quite a stir that weekend with filmmakers, human rights activists, community peoples, environmentalists, students, children and their parents, journalists and politicians all gathering throughout the three day event to watch and discuss the films on show. Honourable Chong Chieng Jen, MP for Bandar Kuching, Nichlos Bawin Ak Inggat, Mijlis Adat Istiadat Negeri Sarawak, Jabatan Ketua Menteri and Ustaz Zamri bin Mohammad, Yayasan Dakwah Islam Malaysia Cawangan Sarawak ( YADIM) were a few special guests that graced the event while FFF was excited to also welcome members from the Sabah communty group, Hutan who had come to catch the Community Organising session and to hopefully, exchange experiences with the Sarawak communities. On the Opening Night, YB Dominc Ng came to officiate the event which drew some media attention from the local press.

There were some surprising responses to both Poh Si and Justin’s films, with many disagreeing on the content, while others were able to look beyond religious doctrine and found a way to empathise with the transesxuals in ‘Pecah Lobang from a human rights point of view . Some members of the Mak Nyah community did attend but unfortunately the group did not stay long enough to give their opinions on the film, which would have been invaluable.

The right for anyone to speak about or criticise Islam caused some controversy with one person suggesting that the screening of ‘Who Speaks For Me?’ at FFF, and FFF itself, was a show of anti-Islamic sentiments. The organisers refuted this accusation by informing the crowd that FFF believed it was acting resonsiblely in providing audiences with spaces to freely discuss the issues featured in all the films and by no means are the orgainsers trying to ignite racial or religious tensions. But clearly the topic of freedom of speech has no absolutes for this particular crowd in Kuching.

The Chairman of the Singapore Democratic Party along with other Singaporeans including popular blogger, Alex Au , crossed the causeway this past weekend to attend FFF 2008 in JB. They came to see Seelan Palay’s “One Nation Under Lee”, a movie that has been banned in Singapore. On Friday night, Seelan and Shafie, members of the band ‘Papsmear’ played their special brand of politically aware music at the official Opening Ceremony at the Tropical Inn. Seelan had brought along copies of the lyrics so everyone could sing along while Shafie banged to the beat on a card board drum. I think the crowd were most amused. And while the Malaysian government was violating it’s citizens’ rights by making a series of arrests under the ISA, the people of both countries present where exercising their democratic rights to free speech and open public debate – a positive exchange of experiences and ideas often lacking between the two nations. To read more about the event, check out a write up on the Singapore Democratic Party’s website Many thanks to everyone that came despite the rain and I hope to see you all again next year!

The FREEDOMFILMFEST 2008 award for “Most Outstanding Human Rights Film”? was presented to Justin Johari tonight, by KOMAS and KAS. Over the last three days, FFF08 premiered the winning film proposals from the ‘Dare to Document’ competition with the theme “Democratic Space – Making Room for Human Rights”?.

Johari’s documentary, “Who Speaks For Me”? which tackles the controversial issue of Islam and the right to for all Muslims to talk openly about their religion in Malaysia, was chosen to receive the accolade.

“Simply because it’s perfect but imperfect, it’s raw, and yet sincere in its search for the truth. The boys put in a lot of effort filming it, in between work and family duties. Justin and crew still have some ways to go before becoming fully ledged film makers, but this win, shows their promise and talent. Congratulations? said Dina Zaman, respected journalist and writer and one of the four who judged the final three films.

She said, “Judging three films by enthusiastic and passionate Malaysians was not easy. They – Poh Si Teng, Justin Johari and his team, and Abror Rivai certainly highlighted and explored issues which certain parties deem as sensitive and ‘non-issues’.

“The content for Pecah Lobang has been covered before but is no less important. It is the best technically pieced doco among the three. Poh Si did a great job and best part of it, she did this all on her own!! She was the writer, videographer and editor. She covered everything: from interviews with TS to medical doctors, lawyers and human rights activist.

“Abror’s doco PUM12’s narrative is an important insight to the electoral process. Young Malaysians need to understand what the process is all about, to make the neccasary changes in the country.

“All these three films shouted out youthful energy and hope, and certainly for all of us, it made us feel more hopeful about a new Malaysia. It is the young who will inherit Malaysia.”?

All four judges; Brenda Danker, Ben Mckay, Edmund Bond and Dina Zaman received a token of appreciation from KOMAS.

Thank you to everyone who made it to the FFF 2008 opening last night at the Annexe with a special thanks to YB Sivarasa Rasiah who graciously agreed to attend and say a few words on democratic space.

FREEDOMFILMFEST 2008 CELEBRATES DEMOCRACY !

Kuala Lumpur, 5th September – The much anticipated 5th annual KOMAS FreedomFilmFest (FFF) opened its doors ysterday with another compelling campaign promoting and highlighting socially conscious film making and films about human rights at the Annexe, Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.

The theme “Democratic Space – Making Room for Human Rights�? was chosen to draw attention to the deteriorating state of democracy in Malaysia. The event provides a platform for the general Malaysian public to watch films and exchange stories about the situation of increasing restrictions to freedom of speech, assembly, information, free and fair elections, religious practices and other basic rights in our country.

Since the March 8th Malaysian general elections which saw the dawn of a new political era, the space suddenly felt bigger and more Malaysians are now claiming their democratic spaces which are inherently theirs.

“FFF wanted to respond to the changing political mood picking up steam since the general elections in March 2008. However despite making progressive rhetorical proclamations, there have been very little significant changes at the level of the Federal government,�? said Jerald Joseph, one of the Directors of KOMAS.

“FFF’s purpose is still very much the same as it has always been which is to keep pushing and widening the boundaries of the democratic space available to us,�? he added.

YB Sivarasa Rasiah, well known human rights lawyer and MP for Subang was there to officially open the event and spoke of the need for the new generation to continue to speak up for human rights, speak out against viloations and to continue to challenge the ruling powers, who ever they may be, and push for more democratic spaces.

George Wielgus, Sheena Baharudin, Hazlan Zakaria and Reza Rosli, all regulars on the Poetry Slam circuit in KL and members of a local poetry collective, Poetry Underground, performed solo poems in the spirit of the festival’s themes with inspired lyrics about space, democracy and freedom.

The event was attended by members of various NGOs, Civil Society Groups and human rights activists.

This Saturday catch a special session on Native Land Rights and Conservation at 2pm to 4pm at the Central Annexe. The session will screen three films; ‘Voices From The Forest’ by Dusty Foot in collaboration with NTFP Exchange Programme, Chi Too’s long awaited ‘What Rain Forest?’ and ‘The Indigenous People of Knasaimos’ by Telapak from Indonesia with Gekko Studio. The filmmakers and representatives for the community films will be there to take your questions. For a full schedule go to the screenings page. Dare To Watch?

Reservations – freedomfilmfest@komas.org

Pecah Lobang: Muslim transsexual sex workers in Malaysia from Poh Si Teng on Vimeo.

Hey Gang!
Check out this sneak preview of Poh Si’s winning entry ‘Pecah Lobang’ about Muslim transsexual workers from the official website http://pecahlobang.com and be sure to see the full length film premiere at FFF 2008 on Saturday 6th, September at 9pm, Central Market Annexe!

Festival Highlights

Don’t miss this chance to watch over 20 thought provoking films from all over the world plus the opportunity to meet and talk freely with some of the filmmakers including “One Nation Under Lee”?’s Seelan Palay from Singapore, Indonesian filmmaker Ariani Darmawan (Dragons Beget Dragons) and Malaysia’s very own filmmaker and activist, Chi Too (What Forest?) who’s films will explore issues of culture, identity, race, religion, development and democracy, among many others. The festival will also have a special screening of the award winning documentary “The War on Democracy”? by critically acclaimed journalist John Pilger.

A special photo exhibition will feature photographs submitted by the public which will challenge and explore the very idea of ‘Democratic Space’ plus various NGOs, filmmakers and local activists will be stationed during the event promoting their organisations so expect to be engaged!

The winners of the ‘Dare2Document’ filmmaking competition will also premiere their films at the event and will each be presented with the Justin Louis Award at the FFF2008 Awards Ceremony. Ultimately only the most exceptional film will take home “Most Outstanding Human Rights Film”? title.

The films are:-
“Who Speaks for Me?�? by Justin Johari Azaman, explores the question of Freedom of Expression with regards to “sensitive issues”? in Malaysia. In light of Namewee’s Negarakuku and past years’ issues surrounding religion, the documentary will feature a Hip Hop group, D&A attempting to explore the possibilities of addressing these “sensitive issues”? through music.

“Pilihanraya Umum Malaysia ke-12: Demokerasi atau rebutan kerusi”? by Abror Rivai, looks at whether elections in Malaysian are free and fair. With elections for local councils no longer in practice and when in 2007 the Election Commission made an announcement that indelible ink would be used to prevent votes from being cast more than once, the people rejoiced, but four days before Election Day; however, it was ruled out on security reasons. There is no doubt that t the March 2008 12th General Election suffered because of this controversial issue.

“Pecah Lobang”? by Poh Si Teng, explores what it’s like to be a Muslim transsexual sex worker in Malaysia? Shot in the Chow Kit red light district, the documentary revolves around Natasha, a Muslim Mak Nyah, who refuses to live life as a man. Unable to secure employment because of discrimination, Natasha turns to sex work and lives in constant fear of the police and religious authorities. Crossdressing is a crime under the Syariah court system for Muslims and the penalties are severe. But it wasn’t always so. How did Malaysia become so heavy-handed on the transsexual community?

For an updated film schedule or for more event details please check out screenings

The event is open to the public and is completely free. To make a reservation, please email freedomfilmfest@komas.org and type the city you wish to attend into the subject line e.g. ‘reservation JB’ for Johor Baru.

We dared you to document. Do you dare to watch?

Whilst activists use the phrase “Human Rights”? everyday, the words remain jargon to the person on the street. But ask the same person if he/she has been treated unfairly and you would most probably get a mouthfull.

How does one transform from being merely aware of human rights into someone who internalises the concept? This documentary looks for the answer by following the stories of three different profiles whose lives were transformed by their own experience of human rights violations.

“Mari Kita Beraktivism” is a series of short films that tell the stories of ordinary folk whose lives have been transformed by their experiences with human rights.

In “Best la Punk”?, Kechik and Ebrahim, two seemingly ordinary urban youths, share how their interest in punk music initiated them into a different perspective of life and society.

“Binatang pun perlu tanah”? follows the process of how Sinui Pai Nanek Sengik(SPNS), an Orang Asli community organisation transformed from being passive victims to actively fighting for their survival.

“No damn right”? features the moving story of two time ISA detainee, Saari Sungip and his wife, Aliza as they share their bitter sweet experience of fighting for justice as a family.

Director and producer, Anna Har and Brenda Danker of Big Pictures Production will, as well as the main profiles in the video, be present for discussion after the screening.

The FreedomFilmFest wants you to help capture our Democratic Space! FFFwill be holding a photography exhibition to coincide with the film screenings over the three day events in KL, JB, Kuching and Penang. FFF would like to invite all shutter bugs, photo fanatics and all people who proclaim to have a large lense to submit a photo which you think best illustrates/represents or evokes the theme “Democratic Space”. The best will be picked and exhibited during the festival. What best embodies your idea of ‘Democratic Space’; an empty space, a crowded room, a place you can express yourself freely, a place which encourages the exchange of ideas, or a place which allows a quiet contemplative meditation? Are there any such places left in Malaysia? Can we re-capture our democratic space? Please email your photos, no more than three submissions per person (high resolution not required as only for viewing purposes) to freedomfilmfest@komas.org.

Brenda Danker, Edmund Bon, Abror Rivai, Justin Johari Azman, Benjamin Mckay, and Anna Har

YB Saari Sungib and family

Finally it’s official! The three winners of the KOMAS FreedomFilmFest (FFF) 2008 human rights film proposal making competition were announced tonight! The declaration was made together with the launching of KOMAS-produced human rights video ‘Mari Kita Beraktivism’, a series of short films featuring ordinary Malaysians and their experiences with human rights’.

They are:
• Abror Rivai for his proposal on “free and fair elections entitled “Pilihanraya Umum 12, Demokrasi atau Rebutan Kerusi”.

• Justin Johari for his proposal on “the state of music/art as a form of freedom of expression” – also titled “project x”.

• Poh Si Teng for her proposal on “sexual conformity�? in Malaysia

The panel of judges consisted of Edmund Bon, a prominent human rights lawyer; Dina Zaman, a renowned writer; Benjamin Mckay, a film lecturer at Monash University, and Brenda Danker, producer and director of production house, Big Pictures.

“These three film proposals were chosen firstly because they represent an investigation into democratic space, which may now be more accessible since the March 8th elections and secondly, they perhaps represent a positive change in the way Malaysia is coming to deal with its human rights issues,�? said Benjamin Mckay spokesperson for the FFF2008 judges.

Winners’ Profiles

Abror Rivai, 32, graduated from UiTM in Performing Arts, 2002. He is a contributor for cultural political magazine, Siasah, writing independent film reviews independent movie. He also directed Tanjong Kelang, a short film which was selected for the International Film Festival in Thailand and received critical acclaim from Cinemasia Film Festival in Amsterdam in 2005. He is deeply involved in activism and was part of the 2005 Asian Network for Free Election’s mission in Afghanistan as an international elections observer. He is currently an in-house writer and director for a new local production house.

Justin Johari, 28, is the manager of the aspiring Rap/Hip Hop group D&A. He has a Masters in Transnational Crime Prevention from the University of Wollongong, Australia and has experience in emcee work and theatre. He is also volunteer for the KL Bar Legal Aid.

Poh Si Teng, 23, is a born and bred Penangite but is currently working in the USA. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Poh Si’s interests in human rights and issues affecting society particularly identity and immigration, have led her to work with high profile media companies like the Associated Press in Miami and the New Straits Times in KL. Among her many talents as a writer and video journalist, Poh Si is also the Director and Founder of the Malaysian political and pop culture online magazine, the Cicak.