Latest news with #21WaysFilm
The Star
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Nest of memories and heritage
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.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Short film shot at Niah National Park premiering this Father's Day
KUCHING: A short film shot entirely at Niah National Park is set to be released on Father's Day this Sunday (June 15). "Space Between" not only showcases Sarawak's natural beauty but also portrays the relationship between a father and his young daughter as they explore their heritage of harvesting birds' nests in the depths of the Niah Caves. Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, the film is believed to be the first to be shot on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said initiatives like this reflected the growing creativity and confidence in Sarawak's film industry, as more filmmakers sought to tell stories rooted in the state's landscapes and traditions. "I would like to commend the team behind 21 Ways Film for their effort and commitment in producing this film. "Their work demonstrates the kind of homegrown storytelling that highlights Sarawak's unique identity, culture and talent," he said at the premiere screening of "Space Between" here on Monday. Snowdan said the film was supported by the ministry's tourism, heritage and creative industry facilitation fund, which was established to encourage growth across the creative, tourism and performing arts sectors. Looking ahead, he hoped that "Space Between" would be considered for submission to international film festivals. "This will be a way to further showcase Sarawak's unique stories and landscapes as well as the capabilities of our local creative talents. "Platforms like these offer opportunities for exposure, growth and connection with the wider world and we fully encourage our filmmakers to be bold in reaching beyond our borders," Snowdan said. Director Danish Busmah described "Space Between" as a deeply personal story about a father and daughter. "Behind the film lies something real, our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences," he said. The 12-minute film features local actors Julai Billie as the father Jon and Darweesha Dasuki as his daughter Sara. It will be shown on TVS (Channel 122 on Astro, MYTV and Unifi TV) at 5.30pm on June 15.
