logo
Nest of memories and heritage

Nest of memories and heritage

The Star4 days ago
THE vast depths of the Niah Caves form a stunning backdrop to a new short film from Sarawak about a father and daughter and their community's tradition of bird's nest harvesting.
Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah's natural beauty but explores a father's relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them.
It's a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work.
''Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love.
'Space Between' was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film
'But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,' he said at the film's premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father's Day.
Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves.
'The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird's nest harvesting.
The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
'It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.'
The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird's nests.
'That's where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.'
Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS.
Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers.
Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in 'Space Between', directed by Danish (left).
With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak's shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions.
'I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,' he said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Elvis ready to make waves in Singapore
Elvis ready to make waves in Singapore

The Star

time8 hours ago

  • The Star

Elvis ready to make waves in Singapore

Sarawak, Elvis Priestley Clement on action during 3 meter springboard. He won gold. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: He may share a name with a rock 'n' roll legend, but 18-year-old Elvis Priestly Clement (pic) is making a name for himself in a completely different arena – the diving pool. Once a relatively unknown athlete competing at last year's Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuching, the Sarawak-born diver is now gearing up for the biggest stage of his career – the World Championships in Singapore from July 26-Aug 2.

Artist celebrates 40-year journey at solo exhibition in KL
Artist celebrates 40-year journey at solo exhibition in KL

The Star

time21 hours ago

  • The Star

Artist celebrates 40-year journey at solo exhibition in KL

Ng with 'Desert Storm. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star Ng Foo Cheong is a versatile artist, as can be seen through his many works currently on display at a solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. His paintings, ceramics, sculptures and installations can be viewed at the exhibition titled 'Tempering' at Dasein Academy of Art in Jalan Kelang Lama. Ng told StarMetro that each work had an intended message and perspective. 'I always make sure that no two works are the same.' Having delved into art since he was 18, Ng, now 60, said he had never worked for others as having a full-time job would have 'killed' his artistic soul. 'I had a part-time job to support my full-time art hobby. Art lovers attending the launch of 'Tempering' exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, which runs until Aug 2. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star 'I used to design T-shirts and put them up for sale at Central Market so that I could earn money to support my art career,' he said during the opening of the exhibition. To broaden his horizons, Ng also spent time travelling. 'I travelled for one year to several countries, and my visit to New Delhi in India, gave me a lot of inspiration. 'There was an evening where I saw people, all wearing sarees, gathering on a beach. 'Some of them hung up their wet sarees to be dried, making the beach even more colourful. 'That trip established the direction of my art career and started me on my journey into two-dimensional art.' Ng said he often experienced strong feelings when he did socially conscious artworks. One of them is the mixed-media piece titled Where is My Hanging Gardens of Babylon?. 'The painting was inspired by the Iraq War in 2003. The artist's ceramic bowls with 'tenmoku glaze'. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star 'I cut out newspaper reports on the war to produce it. 'The US had deployed dolphins to search for underwater mines and one of them reportedly went missing. 'It made me question why humans still engage in war when even animals leave it behind to find peace.' Another message he wished to convey: 'No matter how beautiful a structure, it could be destroyed by greed and cruelty.' Similar messages are reflected in two other artworks – Desert Storm and Yellow Force. Desert Storm depicts broken families in Gaza, Palestine, while Yellow Force was inspired by Bersih 2.0, a movement to reform the electoral system. Ceramics are also a big part of Ng's portfolio, although he stopped making them once he started delving into two-dimensional art. He picked it up again after a 25-year break during the Covid-19 movement control order, when access to his art studio was restricted. 'I dug outside my house and collected raw materials such as coconut husks as well as the bark of various trees, including mango, acacia, oil palm and avocado, to produce my own clay. 'I wanted to incorporate the tenmoku glaze, which originated from the Song dynasty, into my ceramic works.' He highlighted that producing ceramics posed new challenges as there was a lower tolerance for mistakes. 'One small flaw can force me to rework my bowls or sculptures all over again,' he said. On his future plans, Ng said he would continue to follow his heart. 'It is important for artists to listen to their inner voice. 'You will know what to do when the time comes. 'I also hope that my exhibition can inspire future artists,' he added. The exhibition is open until Aug 2 (10am to 5pm on weekdays, 11am to 3pm on weekends) at G-05, Megan Legasi, Millerz Square. For enquiries, call 03-7972 1333.

Two Malaysians defy limits to leave a legacy of creativity and courage
Two Malaysians defy limits to leave a legacy of creativity and courage

The Star

time2 days ago

  • The Star

Two Malaysians defy limits to leave a legacy of creativity and courage

Disability is never the end of possibilities. With support, understanding and love, every individual can live a full, purposeful life and inspire those around them. No one lived that truth more fully than two extraordinary Malaysians who defied their respective physical and neurological limitations to build extraordinary lives. Although tech entrepreneur Tan Thong Kai and artist Janet Lee have passed on, their stories continue to demonstrate how love and support can empower even the most vulnerable among us to live not just ordinary lives, but impactful ones. Despite his physical disability, Thong Kai was active and independent. He wasn't defined by his condition and just wanted to live a normal, full life. Photo: Tan Thong Kai Thong Kai was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. As a result, he wasn't able to walk and required a wheelchair to move around. When he was six days old, he had already suffered his first fracture during a bath. Growing up, his bones fractured easily, often healing poorly, leaving him with misaligned limbs. Yet, none of that stopped him from living his life to the fullest. He studied computer science, started his own business, travelled alone across continents and became a respected figure in Malaysia's e-sports community. Despite enduring pain, multiple surgeries and stares from strangers, Tan responded to life with humour, tenacity and unshakeable positivity. 'If a kid asked why he looked different, he'd joke, 'I didn't listen to my parents' advice to eat my vegetables, so make sure you do!'' reveals his sister Tan Li Lynn. 'Ah Kai turned awkward moments into laughter.' 'He made his difficult life seemed easy,' his brother Tan Jun Tat, adds. 'He always used to say 'Aspire to inspire', and he's definitely an inspiration to all of us.' Tan is survived by his younger siblings: sisters Tan Lay Hui, 36, and Li Lynn, 32, and twin brothers, Jun Liang and Jun Tat, both 28, and his father Datuk CS Tan, 69, a widower. Janet was an artist who expressed herself through colours. Photo: The Star/Samuel Ong Janet's journey was different but no less remarkable. Born a healthy baby, she began having seizures at 18 months and was later diagnosed with intractable epilepsy – which meant her condition couldn't be treated with medication. She often collapsed without warning, suffering bruises and injuries. By the age of 16, Janet still couldn't read or write. 'No one could explain why,' says her mother, Joyce Moi, 69. 'There was nothing wrong with her brain nor her eyes.' It wasn't until a specialist in Australia suggested that the issue could be a neurological disconnect between her brain and vision that the pieces finally came together. 'An educational consultant in Melbourne said Janet's reading and writing issues could be hindered because of her vision. While her eyes and brain were fine, the connection between them wasn't,' reveals Moi. Faced with two choices – to help her daughter live within her limitations or push her to discover her fullest potential – Moi chose the latter. That decision changed everything. Janet became an artist, expressing herself not through conventional techniques but through colours. 'She was a colourist,' Moi explains. 'Her art expressed her feelings, thoughts and moods through vibrant hues and shades.' Her works found homes in galleries, on fashion and premium items, and even in people's homes and offices as part of curated collections. Janet began using WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook and could even order online meals independently. 'That might not seem like much to others,' says Moi. 'But for someone who was diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally disabled, she had come incredibly far.' Tan surprised everyone by travelling alone to Seattle for The International, an annual Dota 2 competition. He is pictured here with the Malaysian Dota 2 team. Photo: Tan Thong Kai While Janet's canvas was colour, Thong Kai's playground was digital. In 2003, he discovered Dota 2 – a multiplayer strategy game – and it quickly became his passion. Even though his physical condition made fast reflexes difficult, his strategic mind thrived. In 2021, Thong Kai joined the Ideal Coaching Global programme in Kuala Lumpur, training to help other players reach their potential. 'He told us it gave him confidence and purpose,' says Jun Tat. 'He couldn't always compete physically, but he could teach – and he was brilliant at it.' He even travelled alone to gaming tournaments and events in the United States, Norway and Ireland. 'He proved that physical limits didn't mean life limits,' he says. Janet, too, found meaning beyond her personal growth. Inspired by her journey, her family founded the House of Janet Lee, an initiative to mentor mothers of neurodivergent children. The project, encouraged by her father, Lee Tiam, 70, spearheaded by her mother, and named by her sister Joanne Lee, 42, aims to equip families with the tools and knowledge to help their children reach their potential. 'Every child deserves a chance, whether able-bodied, disabled or neurodivergent,' says Moi. 'That's what Janet taught us.' In 2022, Thong Kai (pictured with brother Jun Tat) opened Mecha, a mechanical keyboard store in Subang Jaya. Photo: Tan Thong Kai In 2022, Thong Kai opened Mecha, a mechanical keyboard store in Subang Jaya. It was one of the first of its kind in Malaysia, offering fully customised keyboards. 'It was his dream business,' says Jun Tat. 'He loved tech, design and wanted people to have keyboards tailored to their needs. Ah Kai understood struggle, so he always wanted to make things easier for others.' Thong Kai's store became a haven for keyboard enthusiasts – and a symbol of his resilience. His customers weren't just buying a product; they were witnessing a story of overcoming obstacles, and the of joy found in craft and connection. He was also a fan of Taiwanese singer and actor Jay Chou, never missing a concert in over 20 years. 'Jay Chou even asked from the stage, 'Is my fan Ah Kai here tonight?' That's how well he knew him,' says Li Lynn. Furthermore, he adored Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin, and even met him once. 'Despite living with disability, Ah Kai was active and independent. He wasn't defined by his condition. He just wanted to live a normal, full life,' she adds. Janet was a colourist and expressed her feelings, thoughts and moods through vibrant hues and shades. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon Despite his physical fragility, Thong Kai's kindness was boundless. He was known among friends as the 'life of the party' – always cracking jokes, always ready to play games or hang out. But behind that infectious laugh was a deeply generous spirit, reveals one of his friends, Jeremy Tan. Once, a magician shared on social media that his gear had been stolen. Thong Kai had only met him once but immediately loaned him RM2,000. "Just want to help lah," he had said. 'Whenever anyone was feeling down because of difficulties, he'd say: 'You're healthy – you can find a way to solve this problem',' Jeremy recalls. Janet (right), pictured with her parents, has a legacy that lives on through her art (featured onfashion). The Star/Samuel Ong On Apr 21, Tan and his family had dinner together. 'It was such a happy night,' says Li Lynn. 'We didn't know it would be our last.' Their father flew to Australia that evening. The next morning, Tan developed breathing difficulties and couldn't be revived. The shock was immense. 'Most people with his condition don't live past 20,' their father confided. 'That he reached nearly 40 was already a miracle.' Thong Kai's siblings are still processing the loss. 'He taught us that life isn't about what you can't do,' says Li Lynn. 'It's about how much you give, how much you love, and how bravely you live.' When Janet passed away from ovarian cancer in 2023 at the age of 33, her family was devastated too, but they knew her journey wasn't over. Through her art and the House of Janet Lee, her story continues to guide other families in finding strength, even in hardship. These two never let their disabilities define them. Instead, they defined themselves through action, expression, joy and love. Their lives remind us that every individual – regardless of capability – has the potential to thrive, to give and to inspire. It starts with being believed in and loved.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store