By UOW Malaysia 

For the second year running, filmmakers from the School of Communication and Creative Arts at UOW Malaysia have captured the spotlight at the Southeast Asian Short Films (SEASHORTS) Film Festival. Two short films — The Love Poem of Dondang Sayang, directed by Simon Lau, and Silent Love, directed by Leonard Ho — were selected for screening from a competitive pool of 26 films nominated by seven different film schools, alongside just eight other standout selections at this year’s festival.

The films captivated audiences with their unique perspectives and compelling narratives. The Love Poem of Dondang Sayang is a heartfelt documentary about Tuan Haji Idriss Bin Haji Shariff, a dedicated trainer working to preserve the traditional Malaysian art of Dondang Sayang. Silent Love, on the other hand, offers a poignant look at a young girl’s selfless devotion to her deaf and mute mother as they navigate the challenges of supporting the family and societal judgment. Both directors expressed pride and gratitude, with Leonard Ho, a second-time recipient at this festival, noting how humbling it was to have his work recognised once again. “This was a great experience and an invaluable platform for students’ works to be appreciated regionally,” he shared.

The SEASHORTS Film Festival has grown into a prominent platform, bringing together Southeast Asia’s cultural and artistic communities. With a program of handpicked and curated short films, as well as forums and masterclasses, the festival celebrates Southeast Asia’s storytelling talents and encourages regional exchange and collaboration.

Don’t miss the chance to watch these captivating films for yourself. Click the links below to experience the magic:

• The Love Poem of Dondang Sayang

• Silent Love