Perhimpunan Haram? & Hungry for Freedom | Freedom Talk: Youth Resistance in an Uncertain World

Perhimpunan Haram? (2023) 

This documentary explores the real meaning of the term “illegal assembly”” which is often used by the authorities. Although Article 10 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution guarantees the right of every citizen to assemble peacefully, the authorities often
restricts this basic freedom. How has the Malaysian Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 which is suppose to provide clearer guidelines, impacted peaceful assemblies? This documentary looks into the clash between individual rights and governmental powers, and highlights the complexity between constitutional promises and legal restrictions, and challenges faced by civil societies when organizing peaceful assemblies.

• Runtime: 20 mins
• Country: Malaysia
• Film Language: Malay
• Subtitle Language: English

Director

Mohamamad Alshatri bin Abdullah

Mohammad Alshatri has devoted nearly a decade to human rights work, notably at Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), focusing on justice access and addressing custodial abuse.  As a filmmaker, his animated short "Chilli Powder and Thinner" (2020) catalyzed public discourse, advancing police accountability through the Independent Police Misconduct Commission (IPCC). His documentary "Peluang Kedua" (2022) shed light on Singapore's death penalty and its impact on inmates families. Engaging with collective like Buku Jalanan, Teori Timur, and Kelab Bangsar Utama, Mohammad blends activism with media, evident in his company Asparagus Media. His recent project, "Perhimpunan Haram?", delves into Malaysia's assembly laws.
 

Hungry for Freedom (2023) 

Boong and Baipor are two activists from Thailand who got arrested for asking questions about the Thai monarchy. They are put in prison and denied their right to bail. They have to embark on a hunger strike to confirm their innocence and demand their release.

• Runtime: 29 mins
• Country: Thailand
• Film Language: Thai, English
• Subtitle Language: English

Director

Rachata Thongruay

Rachata is a Thai-born documentary filmmaker now based in the UK. He is a recent graduate of the NFTS (National Film and Television School). He has experience working in documentary productions of various scales and sizes in Thailand and abroad. He has a strong interest in current affairs and finding human stories in politics, and a passion for telling stories that bridge the gap between the two worlds he inhabits.