Directors Cut is a curated series by The Living History Project that brings Malaysia’s contemporary film directors into the spotlight—offering audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the stories behind their most iconic films.
In intimate conversations, directors share the inspirations that shaped their work, the creative choices they made, and the challenges they faced—from censorship to budget constraints to cultural sensitivities. Whether it’s a historical epic, a gritty indie, or a deeply personal narrative, each session reveals how storytelling, identity, and filmmaking intersect in Malaysia’s evolving cinematic landscape.
This project is not just about film—it’s about vision, voice, and the power of storytelling in shaping national consciousness.
Director-Led Sessions: on selected Malaysian films
Creative Deep Dives: into story development, casting, visual language, and direction
Personal Reflections: on navigating the local and international film industry
Interactive Q&A Segments: with emerging filmmakers and students
Film Screenings and Commentary: during the TLHP Impact Festival
Directors Cut is where filmmaking meets memory, and where Malaysia’s stories are told from the director’s chair.
Ng Ken Kin is a renowned director known for his innovative storytelling and ability to bridge cultural narratives. After studying film, Ng began his career in the local film industry, quickly gaining recognition for his unique voice and cinematic style. His work often explores themes of identity, belonging, and the intersection of tradition and modernity, reflecting the complexities of life in contemporary Asia. Ng’s directorial debut received critical acclaim, establishing him as a prominent figure in Southeast Asian cinema. He has since directed several feature films and documentaries, each showcasing his distinctive approach to character development and visual storytelling. In addition to his work in film, Ng is also involved in mentoring emerging filmmakers, fostering new talent in the industry. Ng Ken Kin continues to push boundaries in his work, drawing from his experiences and cultural heritage to create impactful narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In Pendatang, a tense dystopian thriller, Malaysia’s multicultural fabric is torn apart when an authoritarian regime begins rounding up and deporting so-called “immigrants,” regardless of how many generations they’ve lived in the country. Starring Jared Lee, Amanda Ang, and Steve Yap, the short film confronts the viewer with hard questions about identity, belonging, and xenophobia. With chilling scenes of raids and interrogations, it forces audiences to reflect on the fragility of social harmony and the dangers of forgetting shared histories.
The Directors Series: Behind “Pendatang” by Ken Kin
In TLHP’s Directors Series, director Ken Kin takes us behind the scenes of his compelling film Pendatang. This special feature explores the inspirations, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped the movie’s journey from script to screen.
He was born in George Town, Penang, in 1962 to parents of Hokkien descent. He received a scholarship to study double physics and mathematics at the National University of Singapore, though he did not complete his degree. During this time, he decided to shift his focus, feeling a deep sense of guilt about not finishing, despite his parents’ understanding. After leaving university, he moved to Kuala Lumpur to live independently. He developed an interest in advertising and reached out to numerous agencies seeking job opportunities. Most of his calls went unanswered, except for one from a woman at Ogilvy and Mather, who connected him with Joe Hasham. This led to Saw being offered a position as a production assistant and eventually as an advertising film director at Hasham’s company. Teong Hin went on to become a multiple award-winning producer, writer and director for film, television and theatre.
A lush historical epic starring Tiara Jacquelina as the ethereal Princess of Mount Ledang and M. Nasir as the legendary warrior Hang Tuah. Based on a cherished Malay folktale, the film follows the impossible love between the princess and Hang Tuah, whose loyalty to the Sultan conflicts with his growing desire for her. Their love unfolds amid palace intrigue, mystical rites, and breathtaking landscapes, capturing the tension between personal longing and national duty. With sweeping visuals and a haunting score, it remains one of Malaysia’s most ambitious cinematic achievements.
This deeply moving family drama, written and directed by Saw Teong Hin, is the first Malaysian feature film made entirely in Penang Hokkien. Starring Frederick Lee, Neo Swee Lin, and Yeo Yann Yann, the story centers on a filmmaker who returns to his hometown of Penang to make a movie about his own painful childhood. In doing so, he confronts the secrets, betrayals, and resentments that have haunted his family for decades. Beautifully shot against the backdrop of Penang’s nostalgic streets and vibrant culture, the film explores memory, forgiveness, and the universal yearning for love and acceptance.
He was born in George Town, Penang, in 1962 to parents of Hokkien descent. He received a scholarship to study double physics and mathematics at the National University of Singapore, though he did not complete his degree. During this time, he decided to shift his focus, feeling a deep sense of guilt about not finishing, despite his parents’ understanding. After leaving university, he moved to Kuala Lumpur to live independently. He developed an interest in advertising and reached out to numerous agencies seeking job opportunities. Most of his calls went unanswered, except for one from a woman at Ogilvy and Mather, who connected him with Joe Hasham. This led to Saw being offered a position as a production assistant and eventually as an advertising film director at Hasham’s company. Teong Hin went on to become a multiple award-winning producer, writer and director for film, television and theatre.
A charming, supernatural dramedy starring Keat Yoke Chen, Pearlly Chua, and Susan Lankester. The film tells the story of Bonnie, a young woman who reluctantly returns to her family’s old Chinese diner during the Hungry Ghost Festival. To her dismay—and eventual delight—she discovers that the diner is populated by the spirits of her deceased relatives, each with unfinished business and amusing quirks. As she reconnects with her roots and learns to appreciate her heritage, the film celebrates family bonds, tradition, and the magic of the unseen. Warm, funny, and touching, it invites viewers to embrace the ghosts of the past in order to move forward.
