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.