Documentary on M'sian surviving 2004 tsunami to debut at int'l film fest

Summary

• Documentary featuring national radio personality Priscilla Patrick and her survival during the 2004 tsunami will debut at MIFFest this July.

• The documentary was produced through a successful crowdfunding campaign by local company Feisk Productions, and directed by Malaysian filmmaker Azim Rizal.

An upcoming documentary featuring Malaysian radio personality Priscilla Patrick and her survival of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka will be making its world premiere at the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) from July 19-27.

“The Tides Will Decide,” directed by first-time documentarian Azim Rizal and produced by Iskander and Feisal Azizuddin of Feisk Productions, follows Priscilla’s personal account of how the tsunami has profoundly impacted her life.

Originally produced in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean 2004 tsunami, the documentary was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign on MyStartr in July 2024, which managed to raise over RM35,000.

“Priscilla’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Her resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with her spirit to embrace life to its fullest, resonated with me.

“As someone who has always been captivated by stories of diversity and the human experience, I was struck by the richness and complexity of Priscilla’s experiences.

“This documentary not only pays homage to Priscilla’s journey but also serves as a testament to the strength of individuals and communities affected by natural disasters,” said Azim.

Crossing paths

Azim originally crossed paths with Priscilla in 2018 through their mutual involvement in the radio industry.

After hearing her recall her journey of survival, he felt compelled to document and share Priscilla’s story to a wider audience, despite the constraints of a small-scale production.

“The challenge was finding creative, cost-effective ways to present the story with emotional depth and visual originality,” he said.

The documentary gently explores the shared trauma of survival through the voices of Priscilla’s loved ones and the significant individuals who have shaped her journey.

It also aims to highlight how, in the events leading up to her survival, Priscilla also witnessed the remarkable goodness of humanity, despite the scale of the tsunami’s devastation.

“The Tides Will Decide” will run two screenings at MIFFest, followed by a question and answer session with the producer, director and Priscilla herself.

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