Antha Naal (13-Episode TV Documentary Series)
Dec 2021 - Mar 2022
Antha Naal EP 10: The Voyage of SS Rajhula [1926 - 1972] (Promo)
Almost for 50 years, S.S. Rajhula was the conduit for Indians in Malaya to their motherland. This episode will unearth the memories of those who sailed on this mighty ship.
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Writer, Editor & Director
Maran Perianen Producer Indrani Kopal Description
Our Astro-Finas collaborative project, ANTHA NAAL, premiered on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 8 pm on Astro Vaanavil HD (Ch 210), Astro Go and On Demand in Malaysia. The historical documentary series with 13 episodes of "Antha Naal" explores events from the past that have shaped Malaysia as a nation. We chose thirteen stories to be revisited by those who witnessed and experienced them first-hand. Their recollection and sharing provide a unique and deeply personal perspective of everyday people who lived through historical events featured in each episode. |
13-Episodes
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TEASER: Phos Graphis: Ismail Hashim – A Film Biography (2023)
Phos Graphis: Ismail Hashim – A Film Biography
Producers: Khadijah Khalid
Production Company: Radhikal Films Sdn Bhd
Writer/Interviewer: Eddin Khoo
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Length: 90 minutes
Format: TV and Theatrical Format
Website: http://www.phosgraphis-ismailhashim.com/
Phos Graphis: Ismail Hashim – A Film Biography is conceived as a feature length documentary that explores the sensibility, temperament and aesthetics of the acclaimed Malaysian photographer Ismail Hashim.
An influential artist emulated by many aspiring photographers and deemed a pioneer of hand-tinted photography, Penang’s ISMAIL HASHIM is recognised as Malaysia’s master of fine art photography. Mixing photography, poetry, intimate conversations and music, this film is a collage of the life of an important and compelling “master” of Malaysian photography. It hopes to gain insight and present a unique perspective of his life, his body of work, his thoughts, ideas and reflection on his career.
Coming Soon.
Producers: Khadijah Khalid
Production Company: Radhikal Films Sdn Bhd
Writer/Interviewer: Eddin Khoo
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Length: 90 minutes
Format: TV and Theatrical Format
Website: http://www.phosgraphis-ismailhashim.com/
Phos Graphis: Ismail Hashim – A Film Biography is conceived as a feature length documentary that explores the sensibility, temperament and aesthetics of the acclaimed Malaysian photographer Ismail Hashim.
An influential artist emulated by many aspiring photographers and deemed a pioneer of hand-tinted photography, Penang’s ISMAIL HASHIM is recognised as Malaysia’s master of fine art photography. Mixing photography, poetry, intimate conversations and music, this film is a collage of the life of an important and compelling “master” of Malaysian photography. It hopes to gain insight and present a unique perspective of his life, his body of work, his thoughts, ideas and reflection on his career.
Coming Soon.
Teacher, The Tradition Bearer
(Biography Film Project)
2017 | 59 min | Feature Documentary | Malaysia | English & Tamil (En Sub)
https://vimeo.com/233028752
https://vimeo.com/233028752
Producer: Maran Perianen
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Director of Photography: Senthilkumaran Muniandy & Navin Perianen
Sound Design & Mixing: Jeson Gnanapnegasam & Soundniverse Studio
Music: Tanjai Kamalaa Indira Dance School's Orchestra
Running Time: 59-minute
Country Malaysia:
Teacher, The Tradition Bearer intimately documents Indira Manikam’s role as the a long time tradition bearer, one who kept a sacred tradition of Tanjavor style Bharathanatyam alive, vibrant and relevant, in all its splendid weightiness and dramatic vocabulary, in the past 50 years. Through the lens of the legendary dance teacher in Malaysia, this documentary will capture her journey, explore the power of art, and above all, the courage and resilience of a woman’s spirit through various shades and vignettes that represents her feelings of joy, fear, powerlessness, courage and triumph, and reflect on how she came to be the tradition bearer she is.
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Director of Photography: Senthilkumaran Muniandy & Navin Perianen
Sound Design & Mixing: Jeson Gnanapnegasam & Soundniverse Studio
Music: Tanjai Kamalaa Indira Dance School's Orchestra
Running Time: 59-minute
Country Malaysia:
Teacher, The Tradition Bearer intimately documents Indira Manikam’s role as the a long time tradition bearer, one who kept a sacred tradition of Tanjavor style Bharathanatyam alive, vibrant and relevant, in all its splendid weightiness and dramatic vocabulary, in the past 50 years. Through the lens of the legendary dance teacher in Malaysia, this documentary will capture her journey, explore the power of art, and above all, the courage and resilience of a woman’s spirit through various shades and vignettes that represents her feelings of joy, fear, powerlessness, courage and triumph, and reflect on how she came to be the tradition bearer she is.
DHAKA (1-MIN TEASER)
2017 | 1-min | Bangladesh
Directed/Edited : Indrani Kopal
Researchers gathering on a bustling morning at a street corner at Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, before heading out to the field.
Client: EngageMedia
Directed/Edited : Indrani Kopal
Researchers gathering on a bustling morning at a street corner at Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh, before heading out to the field.
Client: EngageMedia
"Never thought it'd be children in Malaysia..."
(Biography Film Project)
2017 | 16 min | Short Web Documentary Series | Malaysia | English
Directed/Edited : Indrani Kopal
Camera: Khai Bahar
Producer/Company: WOMENS:girls
Published on July 2017
https://vimeo.com/229195308
SPECIAL: HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2017 - Dr. Hartini Zainudin, Founder of Yayasan Chow Kit. Follow the story of Dr Hartini and how she began her journey helping children in need to have a better future in Malaysia.
Camera: Khai Bahar
Producer/Company: WOMENS:girls
Published on July 2017
https://vimeo.com/229195308
SPECIAL: HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2017 - Dr. Hartini Zainudin, Founder of Yayasan Chow Kit. Follow the story of Dr Hartini and how she began her journey helping children in need to have a better future in Malaysia.
An Artist in Search
(Biography Film Project)
2017 | 11 min | Short Documentary | Bahamas | English
A film by Derek Burrows and Indrani Kopal
Artist Thierry Lamare's portrait of love, loss and life.
Music by Laura Lamare and Derek Burrows
Home videos courtesy of Lamare family
A film by Derek Burrows and Indrani Kopal
Artist Thierry Lamare's portrait of love, loss and life.
Music by Laura Lamare and Derek Burrows
Home videos courtesy of Lamare family
Teaser: KataKatha - Conversation
2016 | 2m 15s | Teaser | Malaysia
KataKatha - Conversation (Feature-Documentary) Commissioned
Client: PUSAKA
Rhythms, expressions, gestures, poise, movement, conversations, nuances and accents of KataKatha, Southeast Asian Conversations on Culture and the Arts.
Edited by Indrani Kopal
Curators: Eddin Khoo & Pauline Fan (PUSAKA)
Executive Producers: Maybank Kim Eng Maybank Foundation
KataKatha - Conversation (Feature-Documentary) Commissioned
Client: PUSAKA
Rhythms, expressions, gestures, poise, movement, conversations, nuances and accents of KataKatha, Southeast Asian Conversations on Culture and the Arts.
Edited by Indrani Kopal
Curators: Eddin Khoo & Pauline Fan (PUSAKA)
Executive Producers: Maybank Kim Eng Maybank Foundation
"Chaos in Motion" Film Poem
"Chaos in Motion" Film Poem
Released Date: July 27, 2016
https://vimeo.com/177797345
Rhythms, expressions, gestures, poise, movement, conversations, nuances and accents of KataKatha, Southeast Asian Conversations on Culture and the Arts.
Directed by Maran Perianen & Indrani Kopal
Edited by Indrani Kopal
Curators: Eddin Khoo & Pauline Fan (PUSAKA)
Executive Producers:
Maybank Kim Eng
Maybank Foundation
Released Date: July 27, 2016
https://vimeo.com/177797345
Rhythms, expressions, gestures, poise, movement, conversations, nuances and accents of KataKatha, Southeast Asian Conversations on Culture and the Arts.
Directed by Maran Perianen & Indrani Kopal
Edited by Indrani Kopal
Curators: Eddin Khoo & Pauline Fan (PUSAKA)
Executive Producers:
Maybank Kim Eng
Maybank Foundation
New York, USA (2012 - 2015 )
Master's Degree, MFA in Documentary Studies and Production
Hofstra University, New York, USA
Hofstra University, New York, USA
Fall 2014 - Fall 2015
Incarcerated Rhythm (MFA THESIS, Fall 2015)
2015 | 40 min | Documentary | USA | English
Produced and Directed by Indrani Kopal
Camera: Indrani, Kurt and Ray McClure
Edited by Indrani
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/266809788
In Summer 2013, I collaborated with an incredible dancer and choreographer - Susan Slotnick, a woman who has spent most of her life teaching dance in the most unimaginable place - a medium-security men's prison in Woodbourne, New York, with mostly men of colour.
The 5-year film project completed in 2018 serves to humanize the millions of locked-up black, brown and immigrant men. There are many documentaries about mass incarceration, but this new film shows the men in a light where they have never been seen before anywhere, dancing their hearts out with courage, dignity, hope and belief in themselves.
The effectiveness and the transformational power of dance as a freedom practice recently became an important research topic for many scholars in restorative justice are and psycho-therapy studies.
Most of the prisoners and ex-offenders who participated in the dance program claim that dance helped them gain courage, confidence, high self-esteem and a feeling of being secure. Studies and research have revealed that the sense of freedom through dance that the prisoners experience helps them escape from chaotic, harsh, authoritative and suppressing prison environments and helps them connect to their emotions and build ties with the world outside.
Produced and Directed by Indrani Kopal
Camera: Indrani, Kurt and Ray McClure
Edited by Indrani
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/266809788
In Summer 2013, I collaborated with an incredible dancer and choreographer - Susan Slotnick, a woman who has spent most of her life teaching dance in the most unimaginable place - a medium-security men's prison in Woodbourne, New York, with mostly men of colour.
The 5-year film project completed in 2018 serves to humanize the millions of locked-up black, brown and immigrant men. There are many documentaries about mass incarceration, but this new film shows the men in a light where they have never been seen before anywhere, dancing their hearts out with courage, dignity, hope and belief in themselves.
The effectiveness and the transformational power of dance as a freedom practice recently became an important research topic for many scholars in restorative justice are and psycho-therapy studies.
Most of the prisoners and ex-offenders who participated in the dance program claim that dance helped them gain courage, confidence, high self-esteem and a feeling of being secure. Studies and research have revealed that the sense of freedom through dance that the prisoners experience helps them escape from chaotic, harsh, authoritative and suppressing prison environments and helps them connect to their emotions and build ties with the world outside.
Fall 2013 - Spring 2014
The Game Changer (2014, 17m 25s, USA)
2014 | 17 min | Documentary | USA | English
Produced, Directed, Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
Additional Camera: Kurt Sensenbrenner
https://vimeo.com/82903917
The Game Changer was screened at 17 international film festivals and won multiple awards.
Susan Slotnick and her assistant Bethany have been volunteering six hours every Sunday to teach modern dance to the prisoners at the Woodbourne facility for the last seven years. Only six dancers that participated in the program have been released, and they are still dancing.
Susan Slotnick, choreographer and founder of the Figures in Flight Dance Company formed Figures in Flight 5, a modern dance group at the Woodbourne Men’s Correctional Facility, with the support from Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA), a non-profit organization that brings theatre, dance and poetry to prisons in New York. Her modern dance program is currently the only one of its kind in a men’s prison nationwide and possibly around the globe.
This documentary takes a closer look specifically at the relationship between the intricate process of abstaining from crime and the influence a dance-based enrichment activity might have on offenders. The piece captures the evidence of the art intervention in the transformative process that enables the participants to make significant behavioural changes, both in prison and out in the street.
Indrani Kopal
Spring 2014, New York, USA
Produced, Directed, Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
Additional Camera: Kurt Sensenbrenner
https://vimeo.com/82903917
The Game Changer was screened at 17 international film festivals and won multiple awards.
Susan Slotnick and her assistant Bethany have been volunteering six hours every Sunday to teach modern dance to the prisoners at the Woodbourne facility for the last seven years. Only six dancers that participated in the program have been released, and they are still dancing.
Susan Slotnick, choreographer and founder of the Figures in Flight Dance Company formed Figures in Flight 5, a modern dance group at the Woodbourne Men’s Correctional Facility, with the support from Rehabilitation through the Arts (RTA), a non-profit organization that brings theatre, dance and poetry to prisons in New York. Her modern dance program is currently the only one of its kind in a men’s prison nationwide and possibly around the globe.
This documentary takes a closer look specifically at the relationship between the intricate process of abstaining from crime and the influence a dance-based enrichment activity might have on offenders. The piece captures the evidence of the art intervention in the transformative process that enables the participants to make significant behavioural changes, both in prison and out in the street.
Indrani Kopal
Spring 2014, New York, USA
Spring 2013
Unafraid of The Shadows (2013, 7 min, USA)
2013 | 7 min | Documentary | USA | English
Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
https://vimeo.com/66219293
A documentary about a female New York photographer, Gianna, and her passion. The film explores several issues surrounding the censorship, expression, body image, and perception of nude photography.
Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
https://vimeo.com/66219293
A documentary about a female New York photographer, Gianna, and her passion. The film explores several issues surrounding the censorship, expression, body image, and perception of nude photography.
Fall 2012
Living Jazz with Bill Saxton (2012, 12 min, USA)
2012 | 17 min | Documentary | USA | English
Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
Shot and edited by Indrani Kopal
- Official Selection of the 2013 10th Annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival In Seattle, WA.
- Official Selection of the 2014 9th Annual Harlem International Film Festival, New York.
The 2010 International Filmmakers Fellowship, Documentary Filmmaking
The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
The Documentary Center at The George Washington University is the founding host of the International Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship, an intensive six-week program.
I was one of the 20 finalists from around the world to participate in this prestigious 2010 fellowship, along with talented filmmakers from 20 other nations. From intensive workshops from professional documentarians to attending the famous documentary festival SILVERDOCS, we had a glimpse into the real documentary scene in the US for the first time.
My teammate Simon De Swardt (Zimbabwe) and I produced two documentaries during this fellowship:
I was one of the 20 finalists from around the world to participate in this prestigious 2010 fellowship, along with talented filmmakers from 20 other nations. From intensive workshops from professional documentarians to attending the famous documentary festival SILVERDOCS, we had a glimpse into the real documentary scene in the US for the first time.
My teammate Simon De Swardt (Zimbabwe) and I produced two documentaries during this fellowship:
Oily Hair (US, 2010) from Indrani Kopal on Vimeo.
Oily Hair (2010, 5 min, USA)
2010 | 7-min | Short Documentary | USA | English
https://vimeo.com/12964781
https://vimeo.com/12964781
Screened at the National Press Club in Washington DC.
Official Selection of the Culture unplugged Online Film Festival
Official Selection of the Freedom Film Festival Malaysia 2011
A short documentary that looks into how people are taking matters into their own hands to fight Gulf oil spill in innovative and creative ways.
Official Selection of the Culture unplugged Online Film Festival
Official Selection of the Freedom Film Festival Malaysia 2011
A short documentary that looks into how people are taking matters into their own hands to fight Gulf oil spill in innovative and creative ways.
I only dance for you (2010, 10 min, USA)
2010 | 10-min | Short Documentary | USA | English
https://vimeo.com/13556047
https://vimeo.com/13556047
Official Selection of the 4th Outrate Online Short Film Festival 2010
Showcased at OUTtv’s Hot Pink Shorts 2010, Canada.
The short documentary 'I only dance for you' is a slice of life story about a gay couple who live in Greenwich Village, New York City. Arsenio Amadis and Don Swift opened their doors and lives to the two emerging international filmmakers.
http://ionlydanceforyou.blogspot.com
Showcased at OUTtv’s Hot Pink Shorts 2010, Canada.
The short documentary 'I only dance for you' is a slice of life story about a gay couple who live in Greenwich Village, New York City. Arsenio Amadis and Don Swift opened their doors and lives to the two emerging international filmmakers.
http://ionlydanceforyou.blogspot.com
©2010. International Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship at The George Washington University Documentary Center.
Video Journalism - Malaysiakini (2006-2012)
The tale of three women's struggle for justice and equality
2012 | 30 min | News Documentary | Malaysia | English
https://vimeo.com/42748260
Published on May 24, 2012
https://vimeo.com/42748260
Published on May 24, 2012
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Filmed and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Produced by Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Guppy Union was started by women workers who worked in a plastics factory in Balakong, Cheras. Their struggle and desire to start a union started 14 years ago, when they were frustrated with their bosses for increasing their wages by a mere 10 sen. The workers then decided to get organised to protect their interests. For 14 years, these women had battled double oppression, for being women and for being a union member, in a country that is signatory to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
This is their story.
Filmed and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Produced by Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Guppy Union was started by women workers who worked in a plastics factory in Balakong, Cheras. Their struggle and desire to start a union started 14 years ago, when they were frustrated with their bosses for increasing their wages by a mere 10 sen. The workers then decided to get organised to protect their interests. For 14 years, these women had battled double oppression, for being women and for being a union member, in a country that is signatory to the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
This is their story.
Video: The people's voice: The use of video in grassroots journalism
2011 | 15-min | Documentary | Malaysia | English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNbgOloVM48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNbgOloVM48
Produced and edited by Indrani Kopal
Celebrating the spirit of civic activism and taking user generated content to a new level, Malaysiakini has introduced Citizen Journalism Malaysia (CJMY) in Nov 2008. The program provides basic news reporting & video production and usage training to users so they can use the power of media to raise issues that matter to them and issues that has been neglected by the mainstream media.
It is a program that empowers volunteers to help their own community by using single point-and-shoot video cameras to capture their stories on video. The video highlights the use of participatory video and new media as an advocacy tool by ordinary citizens, and the changes it has brought into the political and social climate in Malaysia.
Footages courtesy of Citizen Journalist Malaysia (CJMY) archive.
Music: 'Cherry Blossom' & 'Harlequin' by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b..."
Celebrating the spirit of civic activism and taking user generated content to a new level, Malaysiakini has introduced Citizen Journalism Malaysia (CJMY) in Nov 2008. The program provides basic news reporting & video production and usage training to users so they can use the power of media to raise issues that matter to them and issues that has been neglected by the mainstream media.
It is a program that empowers volunteers to help their own community by using single point-and-shoot video cameras to capture their stories on video. The video highlights the use of participatory video and new media as an advocacy tool by ordinary citizens, and the changes it has brought into the political and social climate in Malaysia.
Footages courtesy of Citizen Journalist Malaysia (CJMY) archive.
Music: 'Cherry Blossom' & 'Harlequin' by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b..."
Mek Jah Deris: The Last Mak Yong Prima Donna (Malaysia, 11m, 2011) Short Documentary
Kelantan: Resurgence of dying traditions
Mek Jah Deris: The last Mak Yong Prima Donna
Date Released: 6 June 2011
A short feature on the late Mek Jah Deris, a legendary "Mak Yong" performer from Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia. Between May 15th to June 1st, we commenced production on a project for Pusaka and Radhikal Films, which saw us documenting Kelantan and Terengganu ritual performances. The production of the documentary was for Pusaka and Radikal films.
Pusaka, led by Eddin Khoo, is an NGO committed to the preservation of the ancient ritual arts and performances of the East Coast states, particularly those of Kelantan.
Directed & Edited by Indrani Kopal
Camera by Maran Perianen
Executive Producer Shufiyan Shukur
Special Thanks To
Eddin Khoo (Pusaka)
Khadijah Khalid (Radhikal Films)
Prima Donna Mek Jah Deris
Mek Jah Deris: The last Mak Yong Prima Donna
Date Released: 6 June 2011
A short feature on the late Mek Jah Deris, a legendary "Mak Yong" performer from Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia. Between May 15th to June 1st, we commenced production on a project for Pusaka and Radhikal Films, which saw us documenting Kelantan and Terengganu ritual performances. The production of the documentary was for Pusaka and Radikal films.
Pusaka, led by Eddin Khoo, is an NGO committed to the preservation of the ancient ritual arts and performances of the East Coast states, particularly those of Kelantan.
Directed & Edited by Indrani Kopal
Camera by Maran Perianen
Executive Producer Shufiyan Shukur
Special Thanks To
Eddin Khoo (Pusaka)
Khadijah Khalid (Radhikal Films)
Prima Donna Mek Jah Deris
Batu Arang Special | A step back in time
2010 | 10 min | News Documentary | Malaysia | English
https://vimeo.com/15146870
Published on Sept 18, 2010
https://vimeo.com/15146870
Published on Sept 18, 2010
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Directed and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Produced by Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
The quiet Batu Arang is the home town of former All Malaya Estate Staff Union secretary-general Jiwi Kathiah. According to Jiwi, during its heyday, Batu Arang was a fountain of peace and a cauldron of revolutionary spirit, all at the same time. This forgotten town which witnessed some of the country's most popular labour strikes and demonstrations is also home to many prominent leaders past and present. Today it silently holds many untold stories of our history. Batu Arang was the birthplace of many radical unions. The Coal Workers Union had a leading role in some of the largest strikes of the period when they protested over their working conditions and poor wages.
Directed and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Produced by Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
The quiet Batu Arang is the home town of former All Malaya Estate Staff Union secretary-general Jiwi Kathiah. According to Jiwi, during its heyday, Batu Arang was a fountain of peace and a cauldron of revolutionary spirit, all at the same time. This forgotten town which witnessed some of the country's most popular labour strikes and demonstrations is also home to many prominent leaders past and present. Today it silently holds many untold stories of our history. Batu Arang was the birthplace of many radical unions. The Coal Workers Union had a leading role in some of the largest strikes of the period when they protested over their working conditions and poor wages.
Forty One
2010 | 2 min | Documentary | Malaysia | English
https://vimeo.com/14178243
Published on Aug 16, 2010
https://vimeo.com/14178243
Published on Aug 16, 2010
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Maran Perianen
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Forty One. Just a number? A number in a list? Or forty one homes … not houses … homes. Forty one families. Hundreds of lives. Forty one families are all that is left of the once vibrant community of Bukit Jalil Estate. They know they cannot remain. Some of them who remain once worked in the estate.
They have been there for 70-over years. They have laboured and contributed to national development for meagre wages. Many have passed on and to take their places are their children and grandchildren. What they want is fair and equitable compensation for the toil. For the years of low wages. For their contribution to 53 years of national development.
Camera: Maran Perianen
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Forty One. Just a number? A number in a list? Or forty one homes … not houses … homes. Forty one families. Hundreds of lives. Forty one families are all that is left of the once vibrant community of Bukit Jalil Estate. They know they cannot remain. Some of them who remain once worked in the estate.
They have been there for 70-over years. They have laboured and contributed to national development for meagre wages. Many have passed on and to take their places are their children and grandchildren. What they want is fair and equitable compensation for the toil. For the years of low wages. For their contribution to 53 years of national development.
Independence gone with the trees
2009 | 4m | News Documentary | Malaysia | Indigenous Malay with English Subtitles
Interviewer: K Kabilan
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Produced and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Company: Malaysiakini.com
For an outsider, the Penans are an unknown enigma. For the government, they are the blind spot that can be conveniently missed; and for the logging concessionaires and plantation kingpins, they are pure nuisance. However for those who know them, they are shy, genial and sensible people with a ready smile and plenty of love for the forest they call their home.
The Penans are waging a battle on two fronts simultaneously. On one hand, they are trying to protect their jungle from being destroyed by loggers while on the other they are trying their best to get the authorities to provide them with the most basic necessities in life.
...being Penan
2009 | 7m 50s | News Documentary | Malaysia | Indigenous Malay with English Subtitles
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/118077
https://vimeo.com/7914755
Published on 23 Nov 2009
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Produced and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Company: Malaysiakini.com
For an outsider, the Penans are an unknown enigma. For the government, they are the blind spot that can be conveniently missed; and for the logging concessionaires and plantation kingpins, they are pure nuisance. However for those who know them, they are shy, genial and sensible people with a ready smile and plenty of love for the forest they call their home.
The Penans are waging a battle on two fronts simultaneously. On one hand, they are trying to protect their jungle from being destroyed by loggers while on the other they are trying their best to get the authorities to provide them with the most basic necessities in life.
...being Penan
2009 | 7m 50s | News Documentary | Malaysia | Indigenous Malay with English Subtitles
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/118077
https://vimeo.com/7914755
Published on 23 Nov 2009
Deleted from victors' history: The other freedom fighters
2009 | 10 min | Documentary | Malaysia | English
Four-part series of short web documentaries
Published 31 Aug 2009
Four-part series of short web documentaries
Published 31 Aug 2009
Interviewer: K Kabilan
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Produced and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Voiceover by Nick Josh Karean
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Fifty-two years on, they are all bitter that the truth about their role in gaining independence for the country remains unrecognised, and are worried that it would die with them. This group of men and women – all members of the fearsome 10th Regiment of the Communist Party of Malaya led by Abdullah CD – have been based deep in a thick jungle at the border of Malaya and Thailand area, since the end of 1953 following a continuous onslaught against them by the British forces. What remains now is a history in the perspective of the victors where these CPM guerrilla's are demonised as terrorists.
In view of the nation's 52nd Merdeka, Malaysiakini recently visited one such communist 'peace village' in Sukhirin, southern Thailand, to talk to some of these battle-hardened “communist insurgents” on their role in gaining independence.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Produced and Edited by Indrani Kopal
Cinematographer: Maran Perianen
Voiceover by Nick Josh Karean
Company: Malaysiakini.com
Fifty-two years on, they are all bitter that the truth about their role in gaining independence for the country remains unrecognised, and are worried that it would die with them. This group of men and women – all members of the fearsome 10th Regiment of the Communist Party of Malaya led by Abdullah CD – have been based deep in a thick jungle at the border of Malaya and Thailand area, since the end of 1953 following a continuous onslaught against them by the British forces. What remains now is a history in the perspective of the victors where these CPM guerrilla's are demonised as terrorists.
In view of the nation's 52nd Merdeka, Malaysiakini recently visited one such communist 'peace village' in Sukhirin, southern Thailand, to talk to some of these battle-hardened “communist insurgents” on their role in gaining independence.
High Chaparral: The tale of the villagers
2009 | 7 min | News Documentary | Malaysia | Tamil with English subtitles
https://vimeo.com/5904426
Published on 3 Aug 2009
https://vimeo.com/5904426
Published on 3 Aug 2009
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Maran Perianen
Voiceover: Nick Josh Karean
Company: Malaysiakini.com
For the past few months, the story of once little known Kampung Buah Pala on the island of Penang and its inhabitants have seem to be the only talk of the island. Local historians claim the village had existed for more than 150 years. It was part of a large coconut plantation owned by the family of a Margaret Brown. Because of this bit of history, there are parties who are pushing for Kampung Buah Pala to be gazette as heritage property. It’s perhaps the only way to save this village from certain disappearance. Malaysiakini visited the village to document for posterity a peace of history that is about to be wiped out in one fell swoop.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Maran Perianen
Voiceover: Nick Josh Karean
Company: Malaysiakini.com
For the past few months, the story of once little known Kampung Buah Pala on the island of Penang and its inhabitants have seem to be the only talk of the island. Local historians claim the village had existed for more than 150 years. It was part of a large coconut plantation owned by the family of a Margaret Brown. Because of this bit of history, there are parties who are pushing for Kampung Buah Pala to be gazette as heritage property. It’s perhaps the only way to save this village from certain disappearance. Malaysiakini visited the village to document for posterity a peace of history that is about to be wiped out in one fell swoop.
Love ... in despair
2009 | 5 min | News Feature | Malaysia | Tamil with English subtitles
Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/104209
Video: https://vimeo.com/4607093
Published on 13 May 2009
Article: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/104209
Video: https://vimeo.com/4607093
Published on 13 May 2009
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Amiruddin Abdullah
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Trapped in the razor-sharp jaws of poverty, N Parameswari saw hope fading fast. Fate had also added another cruel twist, which resulted in her losing three of her fingers in an accident while working at a sawmill in Seremban and since then it has been difficult to secure employment elsewhere. Finally, forced by poverty and disability, Parameswari contemplated suicide. She wanted to take her 13 children with her. Six of them are hers.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Amiruddin Abdullah
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Trapped in the razor-sharp jaws of poverty, N Parameswari saw hope fading fast. Fate had also added another cruel twist, which resulted in her losing three of her fingers in an accident while working at a sawmill in Seremban and since then it has been difficult to secure employment elsewhere. Finally, forced by poverty and disability, Parameswari contemplated suicide. She wanted to take her 13 children with her. Six of them are hers.
'They stole 11 months from me'
2008 | 5 min | News Feature | Malaysia | Tamil with English subtitles
Published on 26 Nov 2008
Ep 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m6JQt0GxxQ
Ep 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1YM_DxXmc&t=19s
Published on 26 Nov 2008
Ep 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m6JQt0GxxQ
Ep 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F1YM_DxXmc&t=19s
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Shufiyan Shukur
Voiceover: S Vicknesan
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
This is the story of vulnerable young single mother who shares her tragic story of how 11 months were stolen from her life. M Rajeswari, was an ordinary kampung girl living on her own after she left her parents home in Kampar, Perak three years ago to find a better life in Kuala Lumpur. But all that tragically changed at a coffeeshop in Brickfields in October 2007. Rajeswari had been living with a friend in Brickfields ever since she left her husband after their 3- year marriage failed to work out. While she was waiting for a friend, she was detained by police in a raid on illegal immigrants.
Though she was six months pregnant, she, too, was thrown into the Black Maria. Police had detained her together with the other illegal immigrants as she could not produce her identity card. Although She was suspected to be an illegal immigrant, no attempts were made to secure her identification documents. Malaysiakini interviewed Rajeswari to learn how the system failed to defend her basic human rights.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Shufiyan Shukur
Voiceover: S Vicknesan
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
This is the story of vulnerable young single mother who shares her tragic story of how 11 months were stolen from her life. M Rajeswari, was an ordinary kampung girl living on her own after she left her parents home in Kampar, Perak three years ago to find a better life in Kuala Lumpur. But all that tragically changed at a coffeeshop in Brickfields in October 2007. Rajeswari had been living with a friend in Brickfields ever since she left her husband after their 3- year marriage failed to work out. While she was waiting for a friend, she was detained by police in a raid on illegal immigrants.
Though she was six months pregnant, she, too, was thrown into the Black Maria. Police had detained her together with the other illegal immigrants as she could not produce her identity card. Although She was suspected to be an illegal immigrant, no attempts were made to secure her identification documents. Malaysiakini interviewed Rajeswari to learn how the system failed to defend her basic human rights.
Nov25 | Behind the revolt - Chronology of the rage
2008 | 24 min | Special Feature | Malaysia | Tamil with English subtitles
https://vimeo.com/1300882
https://vimeo.com/1300882
Interviewer: Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Maran Perianen & Indrani Kopal
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Very rarely do Malaysians see such defiance. Despite repeated warnings and a court order which allowed the police to 'arrest on sight', they came out in the thousands on Nov 25 into the streets of Kuala Lumpur. It was, in part, a protest inspired by Indian independence activist and pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi.
Like Gandhi, the Hindraf supporters were out to show mass civil disobedience and it was prominently shown by a crowd of almost 5,000 near the Hotel Maya at Jalan Ampang. For at least five times, the crowd would run helter-skelter at each 'water canon charge', only to defiantly claim back their original positions, chanting "We want justice!" in both Tamil and English.
The documentary analyzes and highlights the chronology of the events that led Malaysian Indians to the street protesting on Nov 25, 2007. Despite repeated warnings and a court order which allowed the police to 'arrest on sight', they came out in the thousands on Nov 25 into the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Maran Perianen & Indrani Kopal
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Very rarely do Malaysians see such defiance. Despite repeated warnings and a court order which allowed the police to 'arrest on sight', they came out in the thousands on Nov 25 into the streets of Kuala Lumpur. It was, in part, a protest inspired by Indian independence activist and pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi.
Like Gandhi, the Hindraf supporters were out to show mass civil disobedience and it was prominently shown by a crowd of almost 5,000 near the Hotel Maya at Jalan Ampang. For at least five times, the crowd would run helter-skelter at each 'water canon charge', only to defiantly claim back their original positions, chanting "We want justice!" in both Tamil and English.
The documentary analyzes and highlights the chronology of the events that led Malaysian Indians to the street protesting on Nov 25, 2007. Despite repeated warnings and a court order which allowed the police to 'arrest on sight', they came out in the thousands on Nov 25 into the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Bonded Labour - Modern Day Slavery
2007 | 9m 18s | Special Feature | Malaysia | Tamil with English subtitles
Published 8 Jan 2007
Article: ttps://www.malaysiakini.com/news/61812
Video: https://vimeo.com/9694396
Published 8 Jan 2007
Article: ttps://www.malaysiakini.com/news/61812
Video: https://vimeo.com/9694396
Reporter: K Kabilan
Produced/Edited by Indrani Kopal
Camera: Shufiyan Shukur
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
On an evening in August 2005, while some 200 estate workers were gathering for a Hindu festival at the small temple, one man had only one thing on his mind - escape. It was the best opportunity for P Ramudu and his heavily pregnant wife A Kalaivany to make a dash for freedom, to escape the clutches of their 'owner' who has 'forced' them to work on the plantation. The plan was simple. While everyone, including their 'owner-cum-employer', was busy praying, the young couple would sneak out on a walk towards a better life.
This is their story.
Produced/Edited by Indrani Kopal
Camera: Shufiyan Shukur
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
On an evening in August 2005, while some 200 estate workers were gathering for a Hindu festival at the small temple, one man had only one thing on his mind - escape. It was the best opportunity for P Ramudu and his heavily pregnant wife A Kalaivany to make a dash for freedom, to escape the clutches of their 'owner' who has 'forced' them to work on the plantation. The plan was simple. While everyone, including their 'owner-cum-employer', was busy praying, the young couple would sneak out on a walk towards a better life.
This is their story.
The plight of ‘invisible’ Malaysians
2008 | 4m 39s | News Feature | Malaysia | English/Malay with English subtitles
https://vimeo.com/2503420
https://vimeo.com/2503420
Produced/Edited by Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
The plight of the Indian community, especially the plantation workers in Malaysia - their condition has largely remained unchanged since independence in 1957.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
The plight of the Indian community, especially the plantation workers in Malaysia - their condition has largely remained unchanged since independence in 1957.
Revisiting Malaysia ‘1988’ Judiciary Crisis
2008 | 9 min | News Feature | Malaysia | English/Malay with English
https://vimeo.com/1555720
https://vimeo.com/1555720
Produced/Edited by Indrani Kopal
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Two decades have passed since the 1988 judiciary crisis. But the effects still linger. The phrase 'judiciary crisis of 1988' is generally understood as relating to the suspension and sacking of Supreme Court judges, including the then Lord President Salleh Abas.
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Two decades have passed since the 1988 judiciary crisis. But the effects still linger. The phrase 'judiciary crisis of 1988' is generally understood as relating to the suspension and sacking of Supreme Court judges, including the then Lord President Salleh Abas.
The forgotten Malaysians from Indrani Kopal on Vimeo.
The Forgotten Malaysians
2007 | 9 min | News Feature | Malaysia | Malay with English subtitles
https://vimeo.com/2033963
https://vimeo.com/2033963
Interviewer: K Kabilan
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Mohd Kamal Ishak & Indrani Kopal
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
Executive Producer: Shufiyan Shukur
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Camera: Mohd Kamal Ishak & Indrani Kopal
Company: Malaysiakini.TV
It is hard to imagine that people living just 400km away from the capital city do not know who their prime minister is. "What Merdeka? Merdeka from whom?" asked the local Orang Asli elders (indigenous or first peoples in Malay) when the Malaysiakini team visited them to coincide with the nation's 50th anniversary.
31 AUGUST 2007 - 50th Anniversary of Malaysia Independence SPECIAL
FREEDOM FILM FESTIVAL GRANT 2007
She's My Son
2007 | 15 min | Short Doc | Malaysia | Malay with English subtitles
Director/Editor: Indrani Kopal
Grant/Funding from: Freedom Film Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR1UczMqsIY
Grant/Funding from: Freedom Film Network
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR1UczMqsIY
'She’s My Son' (2007) tells the endearing story of the love and strength a mother has for her child. Against all odds, Suganya pushed through to live life normally again.
Justin Louis Award Winner / Freedom Film Festival 2007
