FreedomFilmFest2020 Film Grant Winner – Premiere
Reflecting the breakdown of traditional family values in modern Malaysian society that marginalizes the elderly, Meniti Senja explores the alarming rise in the elderly being left to fend for themselves in aged care centers- removed from the comfort of homes they knew and children they raised. Recounting the stories of people who were once mothers, fathers, grandparents – now slowly aging amidst strangers within the walls of a care home in Puchong, this film tells their heart-breaking stories of abuse, exploitation and abandonment. Age eventually catches up with everyone and by 2030, Malaysia’s population >65 will increase to 15%. Are we witnessing our own fates in a not too distant future?
Membawa gambaran atas keruntuhan nilai kekeluargaan dalam masyarakat Malaysia moden yang memencilkan warga tua, Meniti Senja membongkar peningkatan membimbangkan kes warga tua yang ditinggalkan keseorangan di rumah penjagaan warga emas – jauh dari keselesaan hidup di rumah sendiri bersama anak-anak yang dibesarkan mereka. Menceritakan semula kisah-kisah mereka yang pernah menjadi ibu, bapa, datuk, dan nenek – yang kini beransur-ansur dimamah usia bersama orang-orang asing dalam rumah jagaan di Puchong, filem ini merakam kisah-kisah penganiayaan, eksploitasi, dan peninggalan yang menyayat hati. Setiap orang akan meniti usia tua, dan menjelang 2030, populasi rakyat berusia lebih 65 tahun akan meningkat sehingga 15%. Adakah kita sedang menyaksikan takdir sendiri di masa hadapan yang tak begitu lama lagi?
“In a society where cash is king, destitute elderly have no power, no voice and no rights”
– Lily Fu, Director
A Freedom FilmFest2020 Film Grant Winners
Stories of abandonment
Lily Fu, the 72-year old first-time director of Meniti Senja | The Twilight Years, and a senior citizen herself felt it her mission to tell the stories of these elderly abandoned to their fates. Lily hopes to see her film push for policies to protect the elderly in Malaysia and create awareness about the fate of the abandoned elderly nationwide.
The film will be mentored by award-winning Taiwanese Malaysian filmmaker, Lau Kek Huat, who also served on the Festival Jury (link to 1.3 Festival Jury) for FreedomFilmFest2020. The film started shooting in July and wrapped up production just in time for its premiere at the Freedom Film Fest.
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