It started off last year, when a brother in arts recommended me to Rimbun Dahan (RD) art residency, although I had spotted it myself with some reluctancy. A week later, brother in art, Bun Rith, approached me to apply for that opportunity. Although the offer didn’t fully cover my necessary expenses, I told myself to try it first and see how to handle the missing piece later. As a result, I got selected, as planned for the two separate months: March and November 2026! So what you’re going to learn next will travel you back in the first month I “lived” there.
1. Reflective Moments Leads to More Self-Focus
Somehow, I stayed from families and closer to new people, my mind got sharpened to focus on the project in hand: Chaktomuk Short Film Festival (CSFF). Most of my desk tasks were scheduled around either CSFF or film activities. RD’s Artist Lounge became my full-time office space, unlike other residents who tend to stay at their place to “brew” their creative ideas. And our host, Bilqis, agrees with me that Festival Directing needs such “creativity” as well!
2. Social Isolation Connects Me More with Nature
RD is by far not just a residence, but also a private park. So I called it my privilege to access its facilities and exposure to natural surroundings. Every morning, I would wake up to the bird chirping. Every weekend, I would walk the alley out to town coming across a some monkeys or even a monitor lizard. Although it rained half of my time there, the weather treated me mildly. Of course, I would sometimes cool down with the built-in swimming pool, between a lotus pond and a “natural” fish-crowded pond.
3. Human Relationship Still Counts beyond Home
Well, as this residency allowed me to maximize my practices, I manage to meet a few Malaysian figures like Honorary Secretary of Malaysian Movie Producer Association and Organizers of Raintown Film Festival. Needless to say, I loved the company of other residents, as they proved to be very understanding, yet accessible, once needed. My neighbor, Alizya, was the most understanding as I sometimes need such light breakfast as her cereals, especially on Buddhist Days!
4. Far in Execution, Close in Spirit…
With more focus came more spiritual connection, despite our distance, especially with our CSFF core members like Sivthong and Thida, respectively in charge of Production and Administration. As our weekly sessions had been scheduled, I was relieved to see how our interns turned up for our online call, following their respective departments. The main relief came up, after I realize, at least from our debriefing, that our team could put together a smooth Chaktomuk Film Insight at PSE – Film School.
5. How to Cope with Unexpected Creatures!
As you learned about those “wild” animals, you may wonder how we faced them as they are not caged as in a zoo. Well, like with (other) humans, just mind your own business! I’m still impressed at how RD built such an enabling and eco-friendly park so you don’t have to chase butterflies or owls just to see ones. They live within our reach. Yet, if you find them on your own, try not to catch them in hand! After all, physical boundaries matter, don’t they?
Four weeks slid by so fast that it felt like a dream to me. Yet, I came back home with more rewarding connections and enriching experiences, not only related to our festival practices, but also cultural exploration. The thing is, I got to celebrate Islamic New Year, Eid, for the first time in my life, where this celebration matters most to its holders!
