“CINEMA is a mirror by which we often see ourselves.” – Alejandro González Iñárritu

Iñárritu’s words aptly capture the essence of cinema. Films reflect who we are not only as individuals but as a collective whole. Films serve as mirrors of our origins, reflecting the cultural and social tapestry of their home countries.

The youngest art form, film-making is also the most complete, encompassing literature, theatre, visual arts, music, and technology. Its ability to seamlessly recreate reality is a double-edged sword – it can enlighten minds or weave intricate illusions that blur the lines between fact and fiction.

Little wonder then that gutsy filmmakers around the globe – especially in the so-called “developing world” or the Global South – often find themselves under the scrutiny of authorities and governments for telling stories that are true but not necessarily “on brand” with the prevailing ideology of the day.

In Malaysia, a treasure trove of film festivals unfolds annually, often overlooked by a public captivated by Hollywood’s glamour. Aside from the more visible and recent festivals such as the Malaysia International Film Festival, three grassroots events beckon to curious minds to gaze into the cinematic mirror to find out who we really are.

Freedom Film Fest
Steering the course of independent cinema for two decades, Freedom Film Fest, established in 2003 by the Pusat Komuniti Masyarakat, stands as Malaysia’s pioneering documentary film festival. The festival champions social documentaries, delving into the facets of freedom of expression and values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This event has my unwavering support, as I’ve been performing at its awards ceremonies and introducing my students to the world of filmmaking and societal introspection.

A remarkable feature of this festival is its role as a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers. Encouraging first-timers and amateurs, the festival spearheaded documentary film competitions in Malaysia, fostering the transformation of ideas into impactful films. The festival’s commitment to social and political activism has inevitably brought it under the scrutiny of authorities, a testament to its pivotal role in shaping a more aware Malaysia. An exceptional trait of Freedom Film Fest is its nationwide journey, transcending geographical boundaries to reach Penang, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.

Mini Film Festival

Hailing from Kuching, Sarawak, the Mini Film Festival, established in 2005, holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s inaugural short film festival. Conceived by the Cinematography Programme of the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, this festival’s enduring presence of 19 years is testament to its significance. Short films, a playground for film students, epitomise the art of storytelling and message conveyance in a concise video format.

The festival serves as a hub for networking, uniting established filmmakers and burgeoning talents. Notably, the student categories offer glimpses into the immense creative potential of young filmmakers, often leaving audiences pleasantly surprised.

International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival 
A beacon of environmental awareness for 15 years, the International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival, founded by EcoKnights, an environmental non-profit, amplifies the discourse on sustainability. Unlike its counterparts, KLEFF isn’t primarily driven by competition or awards. Instead, it curates an array of events and formats that extend beyond films, fostering a holistic engagement with environmental issues.

I became acquainted with the founders during its inception and have since supported the event with several concerts.

Unlike the first two aforementioned festivals, KLEFF is not competition or awards-based. The curated screenings and talks of acclaimed environmental films from all around the world are often a highlight. – September 1, 2023.

* Azmyl Yunor is a touring underground recording artiste, and an academic in media and cultural studies. He has published articles on pop culture, subcultures and Malaysian cultural politics. He adheres to the three-chords-and-the-truth school of songwriting, and Woody Guthrie’s maxim “All you can write is what you see”. He is @azmyl on Twitter.