The Southeast Asian Short Film Festival (SeaShorts Film Festival)is scheduled to run from October 24 to October 27, 2024, at The Campus in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Over these three days, the festival will feature a variety of fascinating segments, each highlighting unique stories and creative voices from across the region. Among these, a standout is the ‘Beyond Indian Shores: Malaysian Tamil Tides’ segment, which shines a spotlight on the vibrant narratives and diverse experiences of the Malaysian Tamil community.
As part of this initiative, six outstanding Malaysian Tamil short films have been selected for screening on Sunday, October 27. The Beyond Indian Shores: Malaysian Tamil Tides segment represents a significant effort to bring attention to the presence and contributions of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia. By presenting these films, the festival aims to highlight the collective experiences and personal stories that shape the identity of the Malaysian Tamil community. This initiative not only enriches the cultural landscape of Malaysia but also bridges connections between generations and geographical boundaries.
The screening will take place at The Playhouse (Auditorium) from 3pm to 5pm, providing a wonderful opportunity for audiences to immerse themselves in the compelling narratives crafted by talented filmmakers.
The selected films for this segment include:
1.No Worry Chicken Curry
No Worry Chicken Curry, directed by Shunmgam Karuppannan, is a 10-minute Tamil short film that follows the journey of a village boy sent to town by his mother to deliver a freshly caught chicken to his uncle. What seems like a simple errand becomes an adventure as the boy struggles to navigate the complexities of the modern urban landscape, all while keeping hold of the live chicken. The film masterfully captures the contrast between rural and city life.
2. 13:17
’13:17′ is a short film directed by Sashitharan Rajoo, who is also a well known actor. The film is in English and is notably shot in a single take, showcasing the director’s skill and creativity. The story revolves around Sujay, who shows off his new video camera to his friend Wicky, who lives with his girlfriend, Rina. As their conversation about relationships unfolds within the confines of the apartment, the atmosphere gradually becomes eerie and unsettling, adding a layer of suspense to the film.
3. Agaligai Padalam
‘Agaligai Padalam’, directed by Shobaan, is a 19-minute Tamil short film that offers a modern reinterpretation of the Ramayana subchapter, Agaligai Padam. Shobaan, who also co-directed the acclaimed film ‘Metro Maalai’, explores the grotesque dimensions of Indian masculinity in Malaysia by blending ancient mythology with contemporary social issues.
4. HAIKU: A Neurodivergent Harmony
‘HAIKU: A Neurodivergent Harmony’, directed by Deena Dakshini and Lena Srinivasan, is a 10-minute short film that portrays the beauty of the ordinary and the journey toward self-acceptance. It follows the relentless pursuit of finding comfort in one’s identity amid the complexities and chaos of artistic expression. The film thoughtfully explores the balance between personal authenticity and creative freedom, offering a quiet yet powerful reflection on neurodivergence and individuality.
5. Community Bond (The Bhais: Ooruravu)
‘Community Bond (The Bhais: Ooruravu)’, directed by Mohammed Shafie, is a 6-minute short film that explores the unique dynamics within the Indian Muslim community. Previously featured by Varnam Malaysia, the film highlights the amusing and sometimes absurd way members of this community form connections based on shared hometown origins. Through this lighthearted portrayal, the film offers insight into the close-knit nature of the Indian Muslim diaspora and their sense of solidarity.
6. My Father & His Celluloid
‘My Father & His Celluloid’, directed by Daven Raghavan, is a 10-minute short film presented in both English and Tamil. As his father lies critically ill in the hospital, the director imagines the possible scenario of his parents’ first meeting. This poignant piece serves as a tribute to the filmmaker’s father, a traveling projectionist, evoking the films, sights, and sounds from his father’s life and career. Through this narrative, Daven Raghavan reflects on personal history and the enduring impact of cinema on family connections.
This marks the first time a dedicated segment for screening Tamil short films has been featured at the SeaShorts Film Festival. This curated program is the result of the collaborative efforts of Gogularaajan Rajendran (Gogu) and Lena Srinivasan, who have worked diligently to showcase the diversity and depth of stories within the Malaysian Tamil community. Gogularaajan Rajendran is recognized as one of the most promising young directors in Malaysia’s independent film landscape and also serves as the assistant director for the upcoming film ‘Neer Mel Nerupu’, which stars Karnan and is directed by Sun-J Perumal. Gogularaajan was previously selected to attend the Cannes Film Festival as part of the prestigious Directors’ Factory program. Lena Srinivasan, also an assistant director on ‘Neer Mel Nerupu’, has contributed significantly to the project, which has garnered attention at various esteemed film festivals and is set to hit theaters soon.
This initiative to feature a segment dedicated to Tamil short films at the SeaShorts Film Festival represents a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the rich storytelling traditions within the Malaysian Tamil community. By showcasing diverse narratives that reflect the community’s unique cultural identity, Gogu and Lena aim to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their voices and experiences. This initiative not only enriches the festival’s offerings but also fosters a greater appreciation for the contributions of the Tamil diaspora to Malaysia’s artistic landscape.
The public is invited to attend this screening, providing an excellent opportunity for audiences to engage with the rich narratives presented in the selected Tamil short films. This event promises to be a celebration of creativity and cultural expression, highlighting the unique stories within the Malaysian Tamil community.
For those interested in joining us for this special occasion, please click HERE to purchase your tickets.
Source: SeaShorts Film Festival Instagram
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