Song to the Earth is classical composer Dr Corrina Bonshek’s imagining of the voice of the earth. Inspired by cycles and patterns in nature, it speaks to the ecological challenges faced today. The Parap sung by Adrian and his elders brings a message of loss of ancestral indigenous knowledge.
Imagine this.
A place once rich with culturally diverse people, identified by the depth of languages. Unique traditions tied to lands, water, animals, plants. And the various transmissions of cultural heritage through mediums such as music, performances, visuals arts – all cease to exist. What will this place look like?
Co-Founder, Juvita Tatan Wan, Together With Tuyang Talent And Sape’ Master, Mathew Ngau Jau Had An Opportunity To Share Their Idea Of A Dream Malaysia In AirAsia’s “I Am Malaysian” Campaign Series.
The audience experienced: a mixed media photo exhibit of Pusau Anak, showcasing a traditional child naming ceremony of the Kenyah. It was taken in 1967 by Howard Koons, an American traveller who was serving in the US Peace Corps.
The film, directed by Dain Said and produced by Apparat, the company that also produced the award-winning feature films Bunohan and Interchange, aims to celebrate indigenous East Malaysian culture, and to nurture greater cross-cultural awareness between East and West Malaysia while celebrating Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through film.
This will go a long way in helping our work in building the right modules that will help create sustainable alternative income opportunities through cultural heritage, but which will also lead to the development and preservation of tradition, art & culture.
We have the honour of working with Mathew Ngau Jau, a Kenyah Sape master performer and maker. The opportunity to learn and understand his passion and drive in the instrument and the Kenyah culture is something that does not come along easily.