Written by Jennifer James Amandus, Project Officer of SERATA
The “Stories of Life at Home” project was an inspiring cross-border collaboration that connected creatives from Malaysia and the UK. The Society for Equality, Respect and Trust for All Sabah (SERATA) partnered with Junction 15 Productions through the support of the “Connections through Culture” Grant by The British Council. For 9 months, SERATA and Junction 15 Productions embarked on a journey to explore storytelling in its most authentic form. While the project presented its share of challenges, from time zone differences to logistical roadblocks, it ultimately proved to be a transformative and deeply rewarding experience.
Filmmaking Workshop (4 Days, 3 Nights)
A significant highlight of the project was our storytelling workshop in Tenghilan. Over the course of 4 days and 3 nights, 7 passionate storytellers joined us to dive into the art of storytelling and filmmaking. The immersive environment allowed participants to engage with hands-on experiences, learning how to handle professional cameras, conduct interviews, and grasp the basics of editing.
Darren and Suzanne of Junction 15 Productions took almost a day’s worth of travel from the UK to get to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Junction 15 Productions were the main trainers for the workshop, sharing their valuable knowledge and expertise. Darren and Suzanne’s energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the days ahead. Despite the long journey, their dedication to the project was unwavering, and it motivated the entire team.
Another memorable moment came during one of the hands-on sessions, where participants got their first experience holding professional cameras. For many, it was their first time working with high-quality equipment, and the excitement in the room was palpable. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing the storytellers to see their ideas come to life through the lens.
The storytellers that joined us came from very diverse backgrounds – teachers, media reporters and activists working in the non-profit sector. During the workshop we got to enlist the help of two local creatives from Kota Kinabalu: Chris Pereira, a sound engineer from Eyes & Ears Productions KK, and Harold Egn, a self-trained mixed-media artist and podcaster of The Sip-Sip Show. Their expertise helped guide the participants through the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, making the learning process both dynamic and fun.
By the end of the workshop, the participants had developed a deeper understanding of how to craft compelling narratives, using their unique voices and experiences. But the real challenge came on the final day when each of them had to pitch their story ideas, with only a few storytellers being selected to take their projects further.
The Community Stories That Hit Home
Out of the seven participants, 3 were chosen to continue working on their stories, each offering a unique perspective on life in Sabah:
- Priska – A young girl from Kota Belud, Priska’s story explores the tension between staying in her home state of Sabah or leaving in search of greater opportunities. Her narrative is deeply personal, reflecting a dilemma faced by many young people in rural areas, torn between family ties and economic aspirations.
- Ersie – A court reporter by day and a full-time mother and wife, Ersie is passionate about preserving her ethnic heritage, particularly through the traditional clothing of her people, the “Sabung Labuk.” Her story focuses on cultural preservation, highlighting the importance of passing down traditions in an ever-modernizing world.
- Rahmat – Coming from Pulau Omadal, a small island off the coast of Semporna, Rahmat’s story sheds light on the struggles of Bajau Laut children who are often denied access to education due to their marginalized status. His story brings attention to the systemic challenges faced by his community and the hopes for a better future through education.
These 3 community storytellers were chosen not only for the power of their narratives but also for their potential to create impact within their communities. After the workshop, they received further mentorship through online sessions, where they refined their storytelling skills and developed their projects in greater detail.
Overcoming Challenges
While the workshop was a memorable and impactful experience, the journey to get there wasn’t without its difficulties. One of the primary challenges we faced was the time difference between the UK and Malaysia, which required careful coordination to ensure smooth communication between teams. Despite this, we successfully managed the project through consistent check-ins and transparent communication.
Another unexpected challenge arose when our sponsorship for professional camera equipment fell through just weeks before the workshop. Initially, we had planned to use smartphones as filming tools, but the lack of sponsorship forced us to find creative alternatives. Thankfully, through our perseverance and friends who were willing to help we managed to seek out rental equipment just in time for the workshop. We found ways to make the workshop a success without compromising the quality of the participants’ learning experience.
Working remotely with collaborators from different parts of the world was a new experience for us, but it taught us valuable lessons in building trust and maintaining a strong working relationship. Despite never meeting Junction 15 Productions in person before the launch of the programme, we developed trust through consistent communication, setting clear expectations, and being transparent about the challenges we faced along the way. Video calls, regular updates, and a shared sense of purpose helped bridge the gap, ensuring that the project moved forward smoothly.
The process of formulating the project and preparing the application remotely was another learning curve. We had to be hyper-organized, ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned, and every aspect of the project was well-documented. This experience strengthened our ability to manage remote projects, and it’s a skill we will carry forward in future collaborations.
A Roller-Coaster of Emotions, A Lifetime Learning Experience
The “Stories of Life at Home” project was a remarkable journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. The experience of working with our UK partners, hosting a filmmaking workshop for the first time and conducting mentoring sessions for a group of talented storytellers – all of which has left a lasting impact on all of us. As we move forward, we look forward to new opportunities to continue this journey, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and embracing the power of collaboration across borders.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities for future projects. The “Stories of Life at Home” experience has opened new doors for collaboration, not only with Junction 15 Productions but also with other potential partners from the UK and beyond.
