As an English teacher living in Pusan, South Korea, one of the highlights is the highlights is the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) coming each year. All the films sell out quickly, and this was the only one I was able to catch, because the showing was during the day. However I can say that I'm glad this is what I got tickets for because it was really interesting.
15Malaysia consists of fifteen 2-4 minute movies by different Malaysian directors. Each of them is done in their own personal style, and reflects something different about the Malay culture. Some focused on the rift between the races and religions, others talked about how the people in different social classes lived, while another focused on the food. There was a funny, sexual skit with a Malay movie star, followed by a skit about child exploitation. Some of the films were in color, others black and white, and yet another was an animation. There was no theme or reason to it all, but it all really flowed together and made you think about this SE Asian country that is so influenced by other cultures... and yet unique for that same reason. The film was really reminiscent of Malaysia itself.
When this film ended, I found myself yearning to learn more about the culture, the stereotypes, the food, the beaches, and everything about this little country. Although watching it I didn't consider it propaganda, maybe it is. Generating interest in a country that many people skip over to go to Thailand or Bali. I however will be spending my Christmas in Malaysia, so I am eager to see how this film reflects the country itself.
