Young stateless filmmakers in the spotlight at Freedom Film Fest

When Muhamad Haikal Nukiman Zulkifli’s teacher introduced him to the history of filmmaking, it piqued his interest, and he was thrilled beyond words.

Being stateless in Sabah, he had limited exposure to famous films, having only seen what aired on television.

So, when his teacher announced a project to create their film, Haikal (above, wearing a cap) was determined to make something remarkable. His enthusiasm was so intense that he wrote a script in less than three hours and was ready to start shooting the short film the next day.

Fast forward a year, and Haikal’s work, "Budi dan Nenek Kebayan" (Budi and the Mythical Grandmother), premiered alongside his classmates' films at the Freedom Film Fest this year.

“When my teacher told us about making our film, I just did it because I was interested.

“I never dreamed for it to be premiered and watched by others outside Semporna. Even I have never been outside this town,” he told Malaysiakini.

The 20-year-old’s first short film tells the story of Budi, a boy who constantly daydreams about becoming wealthy.

One night, Budi dreams of meeting Nenek Kebayan, who reveals the location of a hidden treasure. Eager to claim his fortune, Budi sets off for the cave described by Nenek Kebayan.

Unbeknownst to him, he is merely a pawn in Nenek Kebayan’s scheme, trapped within the confines of his dream.

When Budi awakens, he remains unsatisfied, still obsessing over the treasure. Driven by greed and foolishness, he finds himself trapped in a reality crafted by Nenek Kebayan, where the lines between dreams and reality blur, making it impossible to tell one from the other.

As this was his first time directing, Haikal is keen to make more films in the future.

“I have about seven scripts ready, and unlike my first short film that delves into myth and horror, I’m looking to explore the action genre,” he shared.

The premiere received a warm response from the audience at the PJ Live Art Theatre. Haikal and his classmates from Sekolah Alternatif and Universiti Alternatif shared the inspirations and challenges behind their short films.

The Sabah-based NGO Borneo Komrad runs Sekolah Alternatif and Universiti Alternatif and they cater to stateless children and teens living in Semporna.

Chased by authorities

In addition to time constraints and finding inspiration, another student, Sabrina Ben,18, shared her harrowing experience of being approached by authorities and having to flee while producing her short film, "Ku Kutip Cinta Terbuang" (I Picked Up an Abandoned Love).

Like Haikal, Sabrina is also stateless. As she and her friends are undocumented, they had to be extra cautious when filming in town to avoid the authorities.

“We were just filming, and then the authorities approached us. They asked many questions, such as what we were doing and where we were from. Eventually, we were let go and ran,” Sabrina recounted to the audience via Zoom after the premiere.

“That’s just something we face being stateless.”

Sabrina’s short film explores themes of love and environmental responsibility. It begins with a woman disregarding instructions not to litter, setting off a chain of events.

In a small village, a determined young person is dedicated to preserving their hometown, but two women continue to litter recklessly, ignoring the young protector’s guidance.

The film also received a positive response from the audience, much to Sabrina and her friends’ delight.

Another short film premiered was “Di Hantui Sampah” (Haunted by Garbage), a story about Doni, a boy from Kampung Bangau-Bangau, Semporna.

Doni and his friends, Opek, Putra, Jai, and Hisyam, play in their village’s cemetery, but their littering attracts a ghostly presence.

One day, while running an errand for his mother, Doni discovers a beautiful, clean place where he hears students learning. It's the Sekolah Alternatif (Alternative School) in the water village. Curious, Doni inquires and is welcomed into the school.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE |The plight of stateless Bajau Laut in Sabah

Craved for education

Their teacher, Putri Purnama Sugua, struggled to hold back tears as she spoke to the audience about her students.

A native of Sabah, Putri met Haikal, Sabrina, and the others while volunteering at Sekolah Alternatif before teaching them about filmmaking.

Initially, Putri planned to produce a film about stateless children but decided to allow her students to explore filmmaking instead. As a filmmaker herself, Putri believes these students have great potential if given more opportunities.

“I have experience guiding students in public schools and universities in filmmaking, but teaching these stateless teens has been a completely different experience,” Putri said.

“They crave education. Even subjects that may seem boring to others, like the history of filmmaking, remain focused and enthusiastic throughout the class.”

The filmmaking process took place over two weeks. During the first week, Putri taught the students the basics of filmmaking, scriptwriting, and editing.

“Once their films were completed, we showed them to the villagers at Kampung Bangau Bangau. Their parents, neighbours, and friends came, and everyone applauded their work.

“Initially, we didn’t plan to have the films premiere at the Freedom Film Fest, but I made an effort to contact the organisers, and luckily, they agreed to screen them. That got the students excited and happy,” she said.

Although the short films have been completed, Putri will continue teaching filmmaking to students at Sekolah Alternatif and Universiti Alternatif.

“It brings me great joy to see how much they are achieving. And the students are thrilled that the world sees their work,” she concluded.

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