FreedomFilmFest 2008

The theme for this year’s FreedomFilmFest is “Democratic Space – Making Room for Human Rights”, chosen to draw attention to the deteriorating state of state democracy. What is democracy? Where exactly are the democratic spaces in Malaysia? What can we do as citizens to reclaim these spaces? Where do the issues of culture, identity, race, religion and development fit in this abyss?

If you’re as KLue-less as we are, catching 20 selected thought-provoking films from all over the world just might help. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and discuss freely with some of the filmmakers, including Seelan Palay (One Nation Under Lee), Ariani Darmawan (Dragons Beget Dragons), Chi Too (What Forest), and John Pilger (The War on Democracy).

The winners of the Dare2Document filmmaking competition will also premiere their films at the event. Justin Johari Azaman’s Project X explores the state of music and art as a form of freedom of expression in an Islamic context. Abror Rivai’s Pilihanraya Umum Malaysia ke-12: Demokerasi atau rebutan kerusi documents the main issues behind Malaysia’s 12th general elections. Poh Si Teng’s Pecah Lobang explores what it’s like to be a Muslim transsexual sex worker in Malaysia.

If you’ve always wanted to pick up a camera to make one of your own award winning human rights film, you can also attend a video workshop to equip yourself for next year’s festival admissions. The FreedomFilmFest will be held at the Annexe from 5 – 7 September, at Tropical Inn, Johor Bahru from 12 – 14th September, Old Court House, Kuching from 19 – 21 September and Wawasan Open University, Penang 26 – 29 September. Admissions are free, though making a reservation via e-mailing freedomfilmfest@gmail.com would be highly recommended, as seats are limited. To catch the schedule of screenings, visit www.freedomfilmfest.komas.org.