FreedomFilmFest (FFF), Malaysia's only human rights documentary film festival is back this year. With more than 30 diverse line-up of films from around the world, the festival is returning to PJ Live Arts, Jaya One in Petaling Jaya. Happening for one week, from 21 till 28 September, FFF will show the latest award-winning films, highlighting the best of local, regional and international filmmakers.
Malaysia once dreamed of achieving developed nation status in 2020. However, one year away from 2020, Malaysia is still trapped in middle-income country status. This economic reality inspired FFF to develop this year's theme: “Harga Naik, Gaji Maintain” (“Soaring Prices, Stagnant Wages”). Through this year’s film selection, FFF hopes to provide insight into the root causes of inequality.
FFF is also proud to present four Malaysian films that tackle this year’s theme in unconventional ways. The issue of urban child poverty is made concrete with Demi Paymitra, a film by Azreen Madzlan. While Albert Bansa’s Pengidup Aku, an Iban language film, looks at the struggle of a single father who must leave his young son behind in their longhouse to work in town. In Bila Kami Bersatu, Minxi Chua and Asyraf Abdul Samad document the untold and inspiring stories of women hospital cleaners from around Malaysia who unionised to secure their rights. Our fourth Malaysian film by Andrew Han examines the connection between environmental and income issues faced by fishing communities in Penang, in Doa Seorang Nelayan.