MMC FAMILY

It been 14 weeks since I have attended MMC class and each class lecturer thought us new stuff that we have never learn before. It is like a combination of ARTS, HISTORY AND FILM course. But I do like the this course because it thought me more than i could even know from internet or newspaper.

• FIELD TRIP

The thing I love the most about this subject is that there is a lot of field trip. These field trip allow us to meet different kind of people. Besides, we are able to attend FFF which bring my knowledge to a whole new level.

Lastly, I would like to thanks Dr. Carmen, Dr. Andrew and Ms Ezzati for your effort and time to teach us.

CLASS PRESENTATION

The presentation that I like are Daniel and Edwin's group. Each of them draw their idea out and present is a fresh idea. Even though artistic wise are not that great but the effort wise definitely add marks.
I would also like to mentions Anne's group who have a small play at the beginning. It is a nice move to attract people attention.

But, I still think that our group are the best. At least the play is interesting (credits to Simon). To be honest, I am impressed by Simon for being brave enough to wear women dress and the wig. The day of the presentations was also the first time I saw him wear that and me and Chia Yan was actually shocked at first when he walk in. At first I was afraid to look at him as I worried that I would laugh and the play will be a disaster. But I am glad to have a group of professional teammates who bring me into my character.

ALL IN ONE / SEMUA DALAM SATU

With the combination of 6 different kind of people, created the all mighty ALL IN ONE. After being exposed to the documentary "She's my Son", we decide to chose the topic TRANSGENDER as the issue to discussed. Stick to this issue for almost a month, I have a new viewpoint towards transgender. Before this, I have no clue of anything about transgender. Thus, we thought it might be a great issue to introduced to everyone because I am sure that many of us had no idea about transgender's insider.

LGBT has always been the minority group in Malaysia. Many people discriminate them due to their appearance and attitude. I don't blame anyone for that because different people have different opinion. But before people start discriminate, do they know that TRANSGENDER are not an mental illness or something they chose just for fun. They are just genetically different.

After doing public interview with different age of people, i can conclude that different age of people has different opinion. Youngster are able to accept them in their life compare to the older generation who are not able to accept them.

For more information, we have interview a transperson  Khartini Slamah, the Program Manager of ISEAN Hivos Program at Pink Triangle (PT) Foundation. She share many of her experience as a transperson and her story. She is quite open as she allow us to ask any questions we like. Furthermore, we also consulted one of the lecturer in UTAR who are doing research on TRANSGENDER. She gave us guidelines on how to discuss about the issue as TRANSGENDER itself is quite a wide topic. Through think and thin, up and down, left and right we have decide to discuss about the SUFFER OF TRANSGENDER. As for presentation, we decide to go for a more interesting and free concept. We have present a play suggested by Dr. Andrew with the main three situations which is medical attention, job and bad treatment from police.

Lastly, I would like to thank my teammates for being cooperative and does their job well. After so much of practice, I am pleased that our play did not disappoint and honestly I love it a lot and it will be greatest moment.  

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Freedom Film Fest FFF

Lecturer from Malaysia Media and Culture course has introduced us to Freedom Film Fest which held on the 20th August which last for 8 days. I went for the first day and I am introduced to few of the documentary. Before attending FFF, I though it will be a normal screening of local films. Right after the first documentary that I watched that day, I am totally wrong. In fact it is a fest that allow people to watch film that are not viewable for others due to human rights sensitivity. This makes me reflect that it is actually a meaningful and extraordinary film fest.

The three documentary that premiered that night

•  “Stories From My Father” (Kisah Ayahku) by Ashleigh Lim

•   “Unlocking Bengoh” (Bengoh: Dua Perjalanan) by Nova Goh

• “Voyage to Terengganu” (Kisah Pelayaran ke Terengganu) by Amir Muhammad & Badrul Hisham Ismail 

The documentary I like the most among all are the Stories from My Father. It is about the story of  director Ashleigh Lim's  father who was once a detainee without trial under Internal Security Act (ISA). It is quite a heartfelt documentary as it shows the hardship of a man went though in his life and now he is able to tell the truth to the society. Besides, it also involve story of him and his wife love story which sound kind of like Taiwan drama. His wife has never left him even though he is being detained and never know when he will be released. The part where he and his friends are being detained and they are not allowed to access to any water. He survived by drinking his own urine are heartbreaking. It makes me think that does those inhumanity system still exist or not.

 I am impressed by the directer who are also his daughter have the courage to produce this documentary as it might cause some issues. Furthermore, I think it set a good example for the current generation to realize the importance of history. They need to have the intentions and curiosity to know all these before it is completely buried to the ground.

Puteri Gunung Ledang

Puteri Gunung Ledang is a Malay film published in 2004 directed by Saw Teong Hin. This film is about the heartbroken romance between Gusti Putri and Hang Tuah. Gusti Putri is a princess with supernatural ability while Hang Tuah is a warrior. 

In my opinion, this film show many values. Firstly, the Hang Tuah is very loyal towards his state and the Sultan. Even though the Sultan order go against his will, he will still do it which makes him a loyal and strong mind character. Besides, there are also shown that the relationship between Hang Tuah and Gusti Puteri. Their love face many challenges and still they do not give up on each other. However, at the end of the film Hang Tuah decide to persue his love and betray Sultan after he heard about the curse.Gusti Puteri character is a very strong and smart women.  She stated that she will marry Sultan Mahmud if he is able to fulfill the seven prohibitive conditions. It is actually indirectly rejecting the marriages. She also have super ability which kind of similar to WITCHES magic.

Futhermore, the tension between the political parties are similar to the situation Malaysian are facing. 

 To be honest it was not my first time watching Malay film but I never like them previously. If we were to watch back previous Malay film I feel that it is lacking in quality wise but the story line are still fine.When we watch films, we tend to compare them with those western films. But this film amaze me with its high quality and outstanding story line. Actor and actress potray their character perfectly especially Gusti Puteri. She reminds me of Greek Mathology Goddess Athena. The setting in film are impressive compare to other local films. This explains why the production cost 16million Ringgit.

Tiara Jacquelina as Gusti Puteri

1984 HERE & NOW

Kee Thuan Chye

1984 Here & Now is written by Kee Thuan Chye an adaption from George Orwell's classic novel 1984.

George Orwell

In my opinion, this play are motivational yet depressing. Main character Wiran shows us the will to fight againts unfair treatment and culture inequality. The character do inspire people to fight up againts government(Mahathir-Big Brother). But when u really do so you will only ended up in jail. This is what brings the citizen to not trust the government anymore. Media are afraid to speak the truth thus everyone is being keep in the dark. 

 In the play, there is a part where a group of performer are not allowed to perform lion dance in public indicates cultural inequality. 

Lastly during the torture scene, Wiran are force to admit to his "crime" and apologize to Big Brother. I'm glad that he did not give in till the end as it shown that there are still humanity.

From this play, I felt like I can relate the story and situation till this era generation. Nowadays we are not able to speak freely or judge the government because if we do so the next thing is we will be in police station without any reason. People are now afraid to voice opinion and news media are not trust worthy anymore. It is really upsetting that our country is being rulled by people who seem educated but narrow minded. In fact, I have heard some story about where police torture and drug criminals to admit their crime*so not civilize.

Opinion on the play

The acting of each character are on point and the setting makes it feel so real. I was really impress especially with the character Wiran in the torture scene. The background and soundtrack makes the play very intense to watch. In fact it feels like a professional play and makes me wanted to watch more play. 

Black Box

Kelantan's Cultural Performance

UTAR Students documentary about well known cultural performance in Kelantan.

In my opinion, documentary is a way to transfer knowledge. As I was watching the documentary I learn and understand more of the culture. To be honest, i'm not sure the purpose of all these culture but what i can see is that they take there performance seriously and treat it like its their life and respect. Each cultural performance serve their own purpose and convey different meaning but these days I do not see such performance anymore in the city.

I'm from a Kebangsaan so I remember when I was in primary school,they do have Main Puteri performance in special events which is perform by my school mates. I remember I like it a lot and the music and dance makes me excited. If people are willing to search and watch these performance, i believe they will like it.

 This documentary are more to fast pace which I quite like it. But some of the part I could not hear and understand clearly.In my opinion if subtitle being added, it will be much more better.

Mak Yong

Main Puteri

Wayang Kulit

Viral Sial !!!

VIRAL SIAL is a documentary in response to the previous episode KUPAS. This documentary is directed by David Buri from BFM. The whole story is about the discussion betwwen the huded law in Kelantan and also the issue regarding the flood in Kelantan. In both video, Aisyah Tajuddin was involve in and was heavily criticized. Thus, the follow up episode discuss about people reaction to it and why it become viral.

In my opinion, people nowadays did not understand the whole story before they comment. Which is very frustrating for people to watch. People does not uenderstand that some of their comment went too far that it might hurt others people feeling. In this video Aisyah as the main lead of the video uses a fun way to talk about hudud issue and the Kelantan flood. But people does not see what the content really are about and what they should focus. In fact its because if they are one of the victims of the flood they would not have the time to talk crap at the internet. Stop wasting time on unnecessary hate and be helpful to those in need of a new home.

In fact I think the documentary help me realize what is really important in life. People in Kelantan that are living in tents need a home for Raya. That what people should care about. As the leader, one should not help create chaos but peace. Stop misleading people to the wrong direction.

Bukan Budaya Kita

As a Malaysian, me myself do confuse what is our national culture. Every culture have different belief and and that is what makes us unique and different. Malaysia is a multi-culture country and I belief thats what makes us Malaysia where we are right now. To be honest, as a Chinese I too practice what Malay people practice. For example, I sometimes will use hand to eat like those Malays friend and i used to wear baju kurung to school.

Based on the Natural Cultural Policy (NCP) that was formed in the year of 1971, the 3 PRINCIPLES OF NCP are

1. The national culture must be based on the indigenous inhabitants of the religions.
2. Suitable elements from the other country may be accepted as part of the national culture.
3. Islam is an important component in the formulation of the national culture.

In my opinion, I dislike how it only focus more on one race or religion. In fact all the other religion and race do contribute to this country. I belief that if we were more understanding and equality are practice, Malaysia would have been more peaceful and some race and religion would not have felt unfair. We must understand that if there are dissatisfaction between religion and race, fight and uproar will happen. Thus I believe that in the mean of Malaysia Culture, each and every culture from different religion and race must be include. 

IMMIGRANT our threat ?

For most of the Malaysians, when they talk about immigrants there are always negative complaints. This is because we don't see them as one of us. Napali, Bangladash, Burmese are the most we see in Malaysia and I can say that most people here does not treat them nicely.

So should we accept them as our citizen or just stay as how it is now or sent them back to where they belong? 

In class I have choose to let them have citizenship. This is because that I think everyone have the right to live the live they deserve. We were born Malaysian thus we get to live a better environment but they don't. Their country it self is poor so who can help them? Can't we give them a chance to prove themself? Some might say if they come to our country our job apportunities will be lesser. Then let me ask, who will do those jobs that those Malaysians does not prefer to do. Cleaning toilet, serving plate, working construction under the hot sun ... most of it is immigrants work. Thye work here just to have salary to feed their family back at their hometown. In fact they work so hard and have to live here in their dirty environment and not having enough food to eat. Then we talk about safety... we always say that immigrants are dangerous..they will kidnap your kids * in serious& jokingly. First of all, when 1 bangladash commit a crime we say all bangla are bad. When a Malay or Chinse or Indian commit crime we judge them individually. In fact i see more news of people from our country killing and stealing more than those immigrants. Are people being judgemental  and stereotype?

Stereotype? Racist? Judgemental?

At home I have reflected on my decision and still think that we should give the a chance. But it's not like open hand and welcome anyone of them to come to our country. We can implement some rules and regulations to control the amount of people. For example, they have to stay at Malaysian at least 10 to 12 years. They should also cannot have any criminal records. Furthermore, know our Malaysia basic culture and language Malay and English so that there will be no communications problem. Does not have the right to vote during general elections even thought they have the citizenship.

Lastly, I would like to say that we should not judge people by skin color or which country they are from. I'm sure if they are from America or Korea or Japan, the reaction would not be the same. 

IMAGE vs WORD

Does image or art are more powerful than words?

During the Malaysia Media and culture tutorial on the 7th of June, we have discuss about the recent issue related to Fahmi Reza. We often question, why images tends to get more attention compare to newspaper or lengthly journals. Its very easy, images only needs 3 second for a person to understand while a paragraph of information written need at least 2 minute to read. So if u ask me if image is more powerful? The answer will be YES!

We see that an image create an issue but why newspaper or journals posted stuff does not create big impact. Simple... humans are lazy to read. If u want me to read a page of newspaper of political issue I will give up right before I start reading it. But if u give me an image which still present the same meaning doesn't it work more effectively. 

Fahmi Reza is a artist that  fight for what he think is right and speak what thousands of people want to say. In my opinion, he is a warrior because despite knowing that there might be risk he do it because he expresses what he want to say. How many people really dare to do what he did.. I would say not much as I can see. 

If u ask me, whether he went overboard of making the PM's face into a clown?..I would say, in artistic perspective i would say not really because each artist have their delivery styles. Some people might like it or find it funny or felt like its mocking him but that single images of the clown head did attract peoples attention and relate to people.

EFFECTIVE OR NOT??

Field Trip 4th June

On the 4th of June I have have attended an event called Art for Grabs. it is held at PUBLIKA @MONT KIARA. This trip is being lead by our lecturers and tutor. The art booth are right at the front of the main gate. As I arrive, there are tons of people swarming the booth. Now I can see that Malaysians are supportive and artistic thou...

First of all, we are introduce to many local artist and their art work. This event is a great opportunity for the artist to showcase their talent which I think also give us a chance to be inspired in various ways. 

We can see many artist selling their work  and they are all handmade. We can find all types of hand craft and painting work. There are even comic artist that selling their comics. On of the comic artist is our lecturer Mr Anthony son. Some even selling hand made necklace and rings.

Handmade necklace, ear rings, bracelet

Many artist came up with their own ideas and create it with their own style which are very inspiring. I have bought a notebook which I think that it will be useful and it sold in an affordable price. We bought it from the booth called Unique Art 'n' Craft. This book design are also helping in raising the awareness of animal freedom.

Note book from Unique Art 'n' Craft to raise awareness.

First Talk - It isn't a Crime: Re-imagining Investigative Journalism

The first talk started at 2.30 pm and lasted for an hour. The main of the talk are investigate journalist R. Nadeswaran and Bernd Pickert a German journalist.

This talk make me realize that being an investigate journalist are actually tougher that it looks. They face the challenge from digging the truth from a tiny piece of evidence. Sometimes it might takes months of work to dig up a piece of evidence They take risk in every step they make but that is what that make them there today. R, Nadeswaran also share that he once almost get sued but he is ready to take any challenge and use his method to face it. Both of them also share some of the ways they investigate and R. Nadeswaran also said that social and interaction with new people are the best way to get resources. Both of them also said that it is important for journalist to write what readers want to read. When they were asked if there are any border line they would not cross while investigating a case. Bernd Pickert say that if the information is really important then they will go for it but it stills have to depend on the situation.

This talk has give me a new light to what investigate journalist are doing as previously I have no idea of what it is all about.  

Second Talk - Funning the News

The second talk started at 4pm and lasted almost and hour. The speaker for the talk are Harith Iskander and Lau Chak Onn. Both of them talk about how they make story and news more interesting by making joke about it. They share their experience and ways to attract viewers to read and watch their stuff.

Their talk are quite interesting as they share their stories. To be a comedian i think one has to be creative and follow the flow. Don't force it as it might be to hard for people to get it. Use examples or words that people watching or listening can relate to.

Like what Harith said, people nowadays can't take jokes compare to people in his generation especially involve races. But it also depends on who u say it to and how people be able to take it or not. Besides, they also said that if you want ta make a joke make sure to check the facts to prevent unnecessary conflict. 

 Lastly, they also give us some advice that not to hold back yourself from making a joke but also do not go overboard. Make sure there is a limit to everything you say.

What I like about the field trip.....

I am able to see many talented artist and their precious art craft. I'm able to see the effort being put in each item they made especially those wooden art. Besides, what really catch my eyes is that some artist dare to present their arts with message that are able to let others relate. Especially Fahmi Reza who selling T-shirt and badges with a very creative drawing on it. Furthermore, through this field trip I'm able to see the passion all the artist presented no matter it is for charity or self purpose. 

End with a SELFIE  !!!