The FreedomFilmFest was launched in 2003. It was developed by KOMAS to advocate human rights awareness and issues through the use of the film medium. In addition to promoting the use of popular communications for education, the festival seeks to encourage the public to document their stories and share with others through films and discussions.
It is for this reason that the FreedomFilmFest is based on its’ recurring theme “DARE TO DOCUMENT”; it challenges the public to document and share their stories without fear or hesitation.
SCREENINGS
Initially started with a sole screening in Kuala Lumpur, 2003, an additional venue in Penang was added in 2006. From 2008 onwards, FFF had a total of four venues in Malaysia with the inclusion of Johor and Sarawak.
In 2009 and early 2010, the FreedomFilmFest made its way to London when a group of volunteers offered to screen a retrospective of FFF films and FFF winning films of 2010. In October 2010, a team of FreedomFilmFest supporters in Singapore also organised the festival in conjunction with the Malaysian FreedomFilmFest2010.
FORMAT
From 2003 – 2005, the film competition was based on completed film submissions with categories for professionals, amateurs and students. Among noteable films we’ve had includes Alice Lives Here and Romantik ISA.
From 2006 onwards, the festival introduced the film proposal competition to encourage Malaysians regardless of background to make their own social films, with the aim to show that anyone with an interest can document their stories to share with the world. To date, the FreedomFilmFest has produced over 20 documentaries about human rights in Malaysia. To find out more about these films, please click here.
Despite playing a positive role in the Malaysian human rights scene, FFF faces some risk due to censorship issues in the country. We are also financially dependent on external support to ensure that this festival is kept free and accessible. Please click here to find out how you may contribute or volunteer to support the work we do.
