The Living History Project
Behind the camera on a Malaysian film set

Special Project

Director's Cut

The Series

Conversations with Malaysia's most visionary filmmakers

Director's Cut is a curated series by The Living History Project that brings Malaysia's contemporary film directors into the spotlight — 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.

The Format

What to expect

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 & Commentary
during the TLHP Impact Festival
Director's Cut is where filmmaking meets memory, and where Malaysia's stories are told from the director's chair.

The Directors

Director's profiles

Ng Ken Kin

Filmmaker

Ng Ken Kin

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.

Featured film

Pendatang poster

Pendatang

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.

Watch Trailer
Saw Teong Hin

Filmmaker

Saw Teong Hin

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.

Featured films

Puteri Gunung Ledang poster

Puteri Gunung Ledang

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.

Watch Trailer
You Mean the World to Me poster

You Mean the World to Me

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.

Watch Trailer
We Jun Cho

Filmmaker

We Jun Cho

We Jun Cho was born in 1982 and graduated with honours in Actuarial Science from the University of Kent in Canterbury. He initially began his career in finance and consumer goods before transitioning to filmmaking. He completed an Art Direction course at Pinewood Studios Malaysia, taught by Oscar-nominated production designer Tim Hutchinson, along with art directors Desmond Crowe and Malcolm Stone. We has received numerous awards at various film festivals, including the Malaysian Film Festival, Sundance Channel Shorts, and BMW Shorties Malaysia.

Featured film

Hungry Ghost Diner poster

Hungry Ghost Diner

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.

Watch Trailer