HUMINODUN
Sabah, Malaysia | Kadazan Language Short Film | 30m | 2019 | Dir: Aaron Cowan
Synopsis: When Ponompuan’s brother Ponompulan turns the people against their creators, Kinoingan and Sumundu scourge the land. Ponompuan is heartbroken and endeavours to try to save them. She brings the people back to the worship of their gods and saves them from famine, bringing the bounty of produce that Sabah currently enjoys but at a terrible personal cost.
THE GUARDIAN OF KINABALU
NZ | Documentary | 52m | 2018 | Dirs: Lloyd Spencer Davis and Wiebke Finkler
Synopsis: In 2015, Mt Kinabalu was the epicentre of a deadly earthquake that killed 18 climbers. The Kadazandusun locals maintain that the earthquake was caused by the disrespectful behaviour of climbers who angered the spirits of the mountain. One such local, Alim Biun, has been protecting the mountain and keeping the spirits happy for 40 years but, facing mandatory retirement, he is worried about Mount Kinabalu’s future and that of its incredible range of animals and plants in the most biologically diverse place on Earth. He needs to find a successor.
This film does not have English subtitles, but the language of the film is English.
MEMORIAL
Thailand | Animation, Short | 5 mins | 2017 | Dirs: Natchapat Drive Jamtaksa and Natthawat Dos Jamtaksa
Synopsis: After the war comes to an end in the country, a teenage girl takes a train back to her childhood town, which she had left during the war. Then the yearning brings back her memories of her father.
This is a 3D short animation.
THE GIRL & THE CAT
Singapore | Animation | 12 mins 48 secs | 2018 | Dir: Ervin Han
Synopsis: A young girl is separated from her mother at a Singaporean night market and meets a cat who brings her deep into the underbelly of the bazaar where fantasy meets reality.
Screenings: Columbus International Film & Animation Festival; Seoul Guro International Kids Film Festival; Cambodia International Film Festival; Zlín Film Festival; International Children’s Film Festival India; San Sebastian Horror & Fantasy Film Festival
TO BE A WOMAN (ANG PAGIGING BABAE)
Philippines | Short | 15 mins | 2019 | Dir: Nicole Rey
Synopsis: Karen, an indigenous people’s and women’s rights advocate, tries to navigate her role as a daughter, and her place as a woman in a tumultuous society.
Screening: 8th Thesis Film Festival
ABANG
Malaysia | Drama, family | 20 mins | 2018 | Dir: Chia Xuen Low
Synopsis: The conflict between two non biological brothers reveal the long established racial issues in Malaysian society.
Awards: Kolkata Shorts International Film Festival 2018 – Best Director (Student)
SPRAYED
USA | Documentary | 39m | 2017 | Dir Craig Leon
Synopsis: From aerial spray zones in the US to Agent Orange detox camps in Vietnam and the Zika epicenter in Brazil, this documentary explores whether chemicals sprayed from above are the best way to eradicate diseases below.
Awards & Screenings
Hollywood Film Festival – Best Documentary Short; Best Shorts Competition – Best Documentary Short; 9th Cinema Verde International Environmental Film & Arts Festival; Hollywood Florida Film Festival; Impact Docs Award – Best Documentary Short
