a short documentary workshop
a short documentary workshop
Embedded Files
Every family carries stories that deserve to be remembered.
Stories of migration, work, love, resilience, tradition and everyday life passed down through conversations, photographs, songs and memories, often without ever being recorded. When these voices are lost, so too are the stories they carry.
Asking Our Ancestors is a workshop that introduces participants to oral history through documentary filmmaking.
Together, we will explore listening, asking thoughtful questions, and making simple creative choices can transform personal memories into a lasting documentary portrait.
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
We use the word "ancestors" in the broadest sense: the people we come from. Parents, grandparents, relatives, family friends and community elders whose lives and memories have shaped our own.
This workshop is not about owning the best camera or learning professional editing software. Participants are encouraged to use the recording device they already have, whether a phone or camera, and edit using whichever software or application they are most comfortable with.
The workshop concludes with a public showcase, where each participant will present a 5-minute documentary portrait.
Who Can Apply?
Who Can Apply?
The workshop is open to everyone. No prior filmmaking experience is required.
We welcome applications from anyone who wishes to preserve the story of an elder from their family or community. Documentary portraits may be made in any language and explore any subject, from family traditions and migration to work, identity or everyday life.
We particularly encourage applications from those interested in documenting plantation histories and the lived experiences of plantation communities, although this is not a requirement.
The workshop will be conducted in English. Completed documentary portraits should include English or Malay subtitles.
Workshop Schedule
Workshop Schedule
Introduction Session : 29 August 2026 (10.00am – 5.00pm)
Introduction Session : 29 August 2026 (10.00am – 5.00pm)
Location: TBA , a physical location in Kuala Lumpur
Topics include:
Introduction to documentary portraits
Oral history and interviewing
Documentary ethics
Camera and sound fundamentals
Thinking about story and editing before you shoot
Preparing for fieldwork
Fieldwork : 30 August – 11 September 2026
Fieldwork : 30 August – 11 September 2026
Participants independently interview and film an elder from their family or community.
Editing Sessions : 12 & 13 September 2026 (10.00am – 5.00pm)
Editing Sessions : 12 & 13 September 2026 (10.00am – 5.00pm)
Location: TBA , a physical location in Kuala Lumpur
Participants return with their footage for story development, mentoring and editing. Participants will receive individual guidance as they shape their material into a completed documentary portrait.
Public Showcase : 17 September
Public Showcase : 17 September
Screening of all participant documentary portraits.
What You'll Create. Each participant will complete:
ONE recorded oral history interview
ONE 5-minute documentary portrait
A lasting digital record
Participation Fee (payable only upon selection, not needed for application)
Participation Fee (payable only upon selection, not needed for application)
RM50 – Students
RM100 – General Public
How to Apply
How to Apply
Submit Your Application with:
Your name and contact details
A short introduction about yourself
A brief description (200–300 words) of the person you hope to document and why you believe their story should be preserved
Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Selected participants will be notified by 22 August 2026
Some stories belong in books. Some belong in museums.
Many of the most important ones begin with a conversation.
We look forward to hearing yours.
Have a question that we haven't answered?
Reach out to us with our Contact Form and we'll get back you soon!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse