TL;DR
- The Alternativa Film Awards & Festival recognizes films with social impact from developing countries.
- Two Malaysian short films, “Peaceland” and “Washhh,” were shortlisted for the 2024 edition.
- “Peaceland” explores familial bonds and community in a culturally diverse setting.
- “Washhh” tackles a taboo topic surrounding menstruation in a national service camp.
- The festival offers free screenings, discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers.
The Alternativa Film Awards & Festival (AFAF) is a global platform celebrating films from developing nations that create positive social change. Founded by international technology company inDrive, the AFAF champions filmmakers who utilize storytelling to address pressing social issues.
The 2024 edition unveiled its shortlisted films and juries, with two Malaysian short films making the cut – “Peaceland” by Ekin Kee Charles and “Washhh” by Mickey Lai. This is a significant achievement, considering Malaysia ranked among the top three countries with the most entries (58 out of 680) during the open call.
Showcasing Malaysian Stories with Social Impact
“Peaceland,” set in Kota Marudu, Sabah, follows the heartwarming journey of three fashionable senior citizens – Rena, Mina, and Joni. These friends embark on a hitchhiking adventure to purchase household necessities and reconnect with Rena’s estranged daughter. The film delves into the importance of family ties, the power of community, and the need for understanding across cultural divides.
“Washhh” tackles a more sensitive topic – menstruation. The story revolves around a Chinese trainee in a Malaysian National Service camp tasked with leading her multiracial group in cleaning sanitary pads during the night. This bold film aims to spark conversations about cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation, often considered taboo in certain contexts.
Celebrating Diverse Voices and Promoting Social Change
Kanat Nogoibayev, Senior Communications Manager (Sustainability) at inDrive, emphasized the company’s commitment to social justice through the AFAF. He highlighted the strong representation of Southeast Asia, showcasing the region’s rich cultural tapestry and filmmakers’ courage to confront pressing social issues. This aligns with inDrive’s vision of fostering equality and opportunities through its “inVision hub” initiative.
The directors of both shortlisted films shared their inspirations and insights. Ekin Kee Charles described “Peaceland” as a tribute to his hometown, capturing the essence of community, family, and personal connections.
Mickey Lai drew inspiration from her own National Service experiences, using “WAShhh” to shed light on a rarely discussed topic.
Engaging Audiences and Empowering Filmmakers
The AFAF doesn’t stop at recognizing films. All shortlisted titles will be showcased during the Alternativa Film Festival in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Festival attendees can enjoy free screenings, participate in discussions, and engage with the social themes explored in the films. Additionally, the Industry Days event (November 27-29) offers a valuable networking platform for filmmakers and industry professionals from Southeast Asia and beyond. This event aims to empower regional filmmakers and producers through industry connections and knowledge-sharing.
For more information about the Alternativa Film Awards & Festival 2024, including online registration for screenings and discussions, visit the official website: https://alternativa.film/