Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli, a young Orang Asli women collective who advocates for indigenous rights through film, is empowering the youth from their community to speak out through a creative video competition.
Eleven content creators have risen to the challenge and created videos in their own voices about their plants, medicines and way of living. Through these stories, they aim to engage the public to understand and appreciate the traditions and issues faced by the Orang Asli.
“The content we and this new generation of content creators have produced is an invitation to the public. We want to invite them to watch stories about our culture, identity, history, and to connect with us,” says Eliana a/p Tan Beng Hui, coordinator of Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli.
The content creators, aged between 18 and 31, come from various tribes, including Jakun, Semoq Beri and Ja Hut. Their videos teach the younger generations of Orang Asli about their traditional knowledge and heritage. They also strengthen the position of indigenous rights and identity.
The videos demonstrate a diverse range of styles such as drama, vlog and interview-based. They are published on YouTube.
Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli has been training young Orang Asli women on YouTube video creation while helping them to come to grips with the issues faced by their community. The team has shifted the lens on a community that has been largely absent on screen. These young Orang Asli women are now building their own media spaces and projecting a positive narrative of their community in the media.
United to promote Indigenous media, Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia, Persatuan Mahasiswa Orang Asli Malaysia and Majlis Belia Orang Asli Malaysia together with Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli and Freedom Film Network have picked five content creators to receive special prizes.
Most meaningful video 🏆
“We must document the traditional practices introduced by our ancestors so that our children have access and knowledge of it.”
– Julie Kristy A/P Ng Kee Choo
Title: Reh Delong Semak Hea
Creator: Julie Kristy A/P Ng Kee Choo
Tribe: Semoq Beri
Village: Kampung Batu 55, Maran, Pahang
Synopsis: Watch Julie & Ammiey share about the Semoq Beri’s traditional medicines called Tongkat Ali, Penunduk and Tongkat Ali Merah (Segemok). They talk about what the traditional herbs look like and how to prepare and boil the herbs.
Most interesting content 🎥
“Society must know the struggles of the Orang Asli community. Then they will stop discriminating us and respect us.”
– Rosidah Awang & Roslina Rifin
Title: Tradisi Pemakanan Orang Asli “Ubi Tunuk dan Ikan Salai”
Creators: Rosidah Awang & Roslina Rifin
Tribe: Jakun
Village: Kampung Orang Asli Tanah Abang, Endau, Johor
Synopsis: Join Mak Sika and Mak Finas as they forage for tapioca and firewood in the forest to make Ubi Tunuk & Ikan Salai. Ubi Tunuk in Jakun language refers to roasted tapioca, which when paired with Ikan Salai creates the community’s traditional dish.
Most creative video 🎞
“Protect natural resources to preserve our traditional food that has existed for thousands of years in the Orang Asli community.”
– Jef Yangman
Title: Beh Hoj
Creator: Jef Yangman
Tribe: Jah Hut
Village: Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Mai, Jerantut Pahang
Synopsis: Learn about a unique fruit called Hoj (Terua Fruit), which requires a specific set of skills and expertise of tree climbing to be harvested. There are many steps in preparing Hoj, which involves the community of the Jah Hut tribe to work together. Watch this video to find out how to turn Hoj into a delicious meal.
Most popular video 📽
“Content by Orang Asli YouTubers is a way to talk about ourselves. It gives visibility to our community.”
– Syameer Amirol A/L Razali
Title: Tradisi Masyarakat Orang Asli Kaum Temiar
Creator: Syameer Amirol A/L Razali
Tribe: Temiar
Village: Kampung Redip, Pos Hau, Gua Musang, Kelantan
Synopsis: Watch 3 siblings Aleh, Abok and Koj explore the jungle and learn about the traditions of Orang Asli Temiar such as catching fish with a cast net and hunting using a blowpipe. These activities are part of their daily lives no matter their age or gender.
