Students from SMK Seri Mahkota in Kuantan, Pahang, recently achieved national recognition by clinching the Best Film Award at the 16th Asian International Children’s Film Festival in Japan. Their victorious five-minute short film, titled "Muniyah", delivers a significant social message while highlighting the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. In the festival held last month, more than 30 short films created by youths aged 15 to 18, representing countries across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea, were featured. Aira Ameerah Mohd Afandi, who portrays the title character, expressed surprise at their win, stating, "We didn’t even think we could win because, while we were watching all the other countries’ films, we felt very insecure. Theirs were equally impressive".
Directed by 18-year-old Nur Nadia Shahirah Mohd Sharizam, the narrative focuses on Muniyah's transformative journey from a rural girl to a modern urban resident. As a privileged teenager accustomed to the comforts of city living, she faces a challenging choice upon discovering her father's illness, compelling her to contemplate a return to her village. According to the team in an interview, their venture to Japan commenced with their participation in a domestic short-film competition organized by the education ministry in August of the previous year, themed "Culture Honoured, Tradition Respected".
"We engaged in a collaborative idea session exploring the distinctive customs and cultures of the people in Pahang, and that's when the concept to spotlight the Orang Asli community took shape", recalled mentor teacher Haizatul Zulaiha Zakaria. When presented with the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the children’s film festival, they found that "Muniyah" was a suitable fit with only minor adjustments needed to align with the new theme "What I Want". According to Haizatul, the Japanese jury commended the visually captivating uniqueness and authenticity of the film's setting, along with a storyline that, while easily comprehensible, carried a profound resonance. Fortunately, they received support from former SMK Seri Mahkota students Abdul Hakim Yusof and Siti Zulaika Adam, both working in the film industry, who played crucial roles in scriptwriting and assisting with the technical aspects of filmmaking.
