Culture Culture Short Films

The history of the existence of the Balanse Madam Dance cannot be separated from the presence of the Portuguese on the west coast of the island of Sumatra. The Batang Arau estuary area, from the port entrance, is the forerunner of the growth and development of the city of Padang to this day, which started with the growth of commercial activities in the area. This area began to be crowded when the Portuguese came to trade with the city of Padang at that time. Judging from the presence of the Portuguese in Padang as traders, various ethnic groups came at the same time, including Minang, Chinese, Indian, and Nias people, who came and settled in the estuary area of Batang Arau, as seen from the remains of old buildings, places of Chinese worship, and the village of the rivet. This cultural acculturation gave birth to the Balanse Madam dance.

Rachel and Wei Jie go on a Peranakan museum tour to learn more about the culture. As they return to the museum at night, they begin to find out that the museum does not seem like what it is during the day.

How are social media and netizens shaping internet culture and is it harmful for youths? In this episode of Chatterbox, we talk about how the internet promotes “wokeness”, memes and cancel culture. We also go into the psychological effects such a culture can have on youths, whether positive or negative.

Housing has been a hot topic issue since the start of the pandemic when the construction of new flats have been delayed. Even more so now as new measures have been announced to curb rising costs. In this episode, we discuss some of the common issues youths face, whether condos or HDBs makes more sense and what they should consider financially before deciding if purchasing a flat is for them.

The Barong Tagalog is a Filipino symbol of celebration and hope. When it is old, it is frequently kept in the cabinets of many Filipino families. Maricel Amora revives these barongs and transforms them into another Filipino emblem of joy and optimism - the parol.

Zulham has just failed his crops due to an epidemic and he feels like the worst husband in the world. Especially now that his wife, Purwanti, has to work hard for the family. Meanwhile Raihan, his son, has to deal with different parenting methods. Now they have to go together to a traditional Tolak Bala Ritual (ward off misfortune) at the sea. Until finally the conflict peaked and major events occurred.

In Singapore's Little India, traditional businesses like goldsmiths, Indian restaurants and coffee shops, saree shops, and stalls selling garlands and sweets continue to thrive alongside newer establishments like boutiques and souvenir shops. There is round-the-clock activity from the clusters of night-time hangouts, backpacker hostels and late-night eateries in the area.But Little India is more than just a vibrant tourist location. It also represents a home away from home for migrant workers. Places create a sense of community and home, and no one understands this more than the team that run a soup kitchen which packs free meals for over 1,000 migrant workers daily.

Tells the story of Feri (23), the youngest of two brothers who live somewhere in the land of Pasundan. One day, he was given a will by his late mother to make offerings the day before the fasting month. Feri, who feels obligated, tries to fulfill it a year after his mother died.But Feri has a problem, in which he has no idea how to prepare the offerings according to his mother. Then he tries to call his brother Galih (26), a private employee who is also a very religious person. Galih, who had worked out of town for a year, was asked to go home by Feri. Arriving at their house, Feri tells all his worries to Galih, especially about the offerings that were asked by their mother. After Feri made his case, Galih rejected it immediately. But Feri is persistent in trying to persuade and explain to his brother that this was their mother's will. On the other hand, Feri knows that only Galih knows about how to prepare these offerings because he often helps their mothers to prepare them. The debate continues, Galih still feels that it is not in accordance with the teachings of his religion but Feri continues to say that this has nothing to do with religion. This is only a will from their mother and Feri feels that he has to fulfill it. Until finally after a long debate, with a heavy heart, Galih agrees to prepare the offering. They both managed to finish the offerings and then closed the day before fasting with an afternoon meal together.In the midst of that afternoon meal, Feri suddenly fell silent. He smiles at the sight of him and Galih being able to get together again while looking at the offerings they had placed in their mother's favorite seat. He nodded and understood the true meaning of his mother's will.

About traditional activities that always prioritize masculinity and are broken by a young girl who wants to get gender equality.

Hunting boars exists in the Minangkabau community who adhere to the principle of "customs based on Islamic law, Islamic law based on Quran". It has become a polemic among the community and religious leaders since the involvement of dogs and pigs contradicts to Islamic principles. However, this has always been a taboo subject without a clear, conclusive resolution.

Tells the story of a man whose life is very dependent on his pet fish that can talk. Initially all went well until one day the fish had a request that was very difficult to fulfill.

As the time changes and the Iban people of Borneo grow into the modern world, will the Gendang Rayah music stay and be a beacon of Iban identity or be lost as ideas and agendas change. Gendang Rayah is a ritualistic music by the Ibans to summon the spirits and gods as per the Iban belief. However as more and more Ibans are now Christians, Gendang Rayah becomes more and more rare entangled by the Miring ceremony that is a huge part of Gendang Rayah music. We interview experts in Iban customs, music and a priest to discuss the preservation of Gendang Rayah music.