FREEDOM FILM FEST

I have great admiration for the Freedom Film Fest and the folks/ volunteers who have been running it for 5 years now. The first of its kind in Malaysia, it creates a platform for filmmakers and social activists to use their talent and passion to express social concerns and human rights issues.

http://www.freedomfilmfest.komas.org/

Personally, through FFF, I found meaningful friendships, learnt a lot, and gained many fond memories working on the documentary about the Broga incinerator, 'Alice Lives Here', three years ago.

What I admire most about FFF, is that- like many great things- it started humbly small but it started right; guided by the right principles. It was created out of a need, and not at a time when social or environmental causes were popular in Malaysia, like how green issues are becoming the buzzwords these days, making it easier to attract funding or sponsorship from entities keen to be positively associated.

It was precisely with the lack of this space, that FFF sought to create. With a very trim budget, resource, and team, KOMAS and FFF have been providing an ideal platform for filmmakers and human rights issues for its 5th year. In return, filmakers, volunteers, and participants return to FFF the following years; creating a culture that supports the festival and continue to bring us films and spaces of value to our society.

FFF will be screened in KL, JB, Penang, and for the first time, Kuching. I will be playing a song or two at the FFF KL awards night.

Be a part of Freedom Film Festival at the following locations:

Kuala Lumpur – Central Market Annexe: 5th to the 7th September

Johor Bahru – Tropical Inn: 12th to the 14th September

Kuching – Old Court House: 19th to the 21st September

Penang – Wawasan Open University: 26th to the 28th September.

To make a reservation, email freedomfilmfest@gmail.com and type the city you wish to attend into the subject line e.g. 'reservation JB' for Johor Baru.