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, ooks 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 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 visit freedomfilmfest.komas.org or visit us on facebook (FreedomFilmFest 2008).

The event is open to the public and is completely free.

To make a reservation, please email freedomfilmfest at gmail dot com 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?

Contact: Elaine Foster - 016 357 2610 - FFF2008 Coordinator