FREEDOM Film Network (FFN), the organisation behind FreedomFilmFest has announced the names of the 14 Fellows selected for its inaugural Freedom Film Fellowship, an initiative designed to nurture the next generation of Malaysian filmmakers through workshops, masterclasses, and grants.
The new training and mentorship programme spans a rigorous 10-month long period from February to November 2023 and is focused on all aspects of documentary filmmaking from development to production to safety protocols and distribution strategies. In addition to the masterclasses, the fellows will also have the opportunity to pitch for grants worth up to RM80,000.
Throughout the Fellowship program, Fellows will enhance their skills, exchange ideas, and create a supportive community. Fellows will also be given one-on-one mentorship with renowned documentary producers and filmmakers as well as funding and networking opportunities. FFN intends to support its Fellows from the start of their projects until completion.
Guest trainers and mentors include Hollie Fifer, Director of Australian Programs at Doc Society, Nilotpal Majumdar, President of Documentary Resource Initiative and Adrien Faucheux, director, film editor and festival programmer.
Brenda Danker, co-founder of Freedom Film Network spoke of affecting change in the Malaysian film industry and shepherding new talent into the field of documentary, during its launch ceremony last Tuesday.
“It is so meaningful for us at FFN to launch the FreedomFilm Fellowship. In the past, we have supported over 60 short human rights and social justice focused documentaries and have had many capacity building sessions for local filmmakers,” she said.
“Now we continue journey with a special cohort of filmmakers and film educators who fervently believe that documentary films are a catalyst for social change and have the power to transform society. We are committed to develop and support this special cohort of the Freedom Film Fellows who are the next generation of filmmakers telling urgent Malaysian social justice stories,” she added.
The ceremony was officiated by Florence Lambert, Head of Arts and Creative Industries from the British Council and Timo Goosmann, Head of Political, Press and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia and Dr. Markus Litz, Director of Goethe-Institut Malaysia.
Lambert described the need to produce impactful works that resonate with Malaysian audiences and make a positive impact on society.
“At a time of uncertainty and numerous global and local challenges, giving a voice to marginalised communities is critical. The British Council is proud to support the freedom film fellowship and support young film makers tell these stories. We are proud to connect Doc Society UK with Malaysian impact filmmakers and we will continue to support such meaningful collaborations,” she said.
Out of a pool of nearly 40 applicants, a shortlist was made by an independent jury which includes filmmakers Yati Kaprawi, Indrani Kopal, and visual artist Amir Shahlan. 14 of the final candidates were then selected by members of the FFN.
“We believe that our Fellows through their leadership and art, will carry a distinct voice and vision to bear witness to issues of social justice and freedom of expression to inspire change and transform Malaysian society,” Danker concludes. The full list of fellows is detailed below:
2023 Freedom Film Fellows
Albert Bansa, filmmaker from Sarawak
Amanda Mojilip, community filmmaker from Sabah
Andrew Han, activist, and community filmmaker from Penang
Chan Mae Si, Scriptwriter and commercial director
Chong Kok Choon, Visual artist
Feisal Azizuddin, Film Director and producer
Irene Yap, Photographer and videographer
Kalash Nanda Kumar, Journalist, critic, filmmaker
Mohd Naeem, Filmmaker
Ngo Sheau Shi, Film lecturer
Nuri Tal, Screenwriter
Raja Rodziah Raja Zainal Hassan, Film educator
Thinakkaaran Tamilchelvam, Cinematographer
Wilfred Tan, Lecturer – The Vibes, March 5, 2023
