Nest of memories and heritage
Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah's natural beauty but explores a father's relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them.
It's a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work.
''Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love.
'Space Between' was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film
'But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,' he said at the film's premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father's Day.
Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves.
'The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird's nest harvesting.
The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
'It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.'
The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird's nests.
'That's where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.'
Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS.
Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers.
Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in 'Space Between', directed by Danish (left).
With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak's shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions.
'I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,' he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian chefs shine at China-Malaysia conference in Shandong
(From left) Chef Robbie, Chef Annie and Chef Iana in action in Shandong. KUCHING (Aug 1): Three Sarawakian chefs were recently featured at the China (Linyi)-Malaysia (Kuching) International Trade and Business Matching Conference and the China-Malaysia Food Exchange Conference, held in Linyi, Shandong Province. Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek, Chef Iana Akam, and Chef Annie Wee – all Malaysia Culinary World Cup medallists – proudly represented Malaysia, showcasing their unique interpretations of traditional Sarawakian cuisine. Chef Robbie, founder of Little Fairy Café in Padungan, presented his signature 'terung' Dayak soup with 'beehoon', a dish inspired by his Bidayuh heritage. Featuring Sarawak's native 'terung asam' (sour brinjal), simmered in a tangy broth with chicken and vermicelli noodles, the dish is a tribute to ancestral flavours thoughtfully refined for today's audience. 'It's a meaningful experience to share our food stories with new audiences. Each dish we prepare carries our background, our culture, and a part of home,' he said in a statement yesterday. Chef Iana Akam, founder of Fairy Tavern in Bau, showcased her original creation: smoked meat tapas with Bidayuh-style 'sambal'. The dish features delicately smoked pork served with a handcrafted 'sambal' made using traditional Bidayuh spice techniques. Rooted in indigenous flavours but styled with modern finesse, the dish exemplifies her flair for bridging heritage with contemporary culinary artistry. 'This is more than a culinary showcase – it's about honouring our roots and sharing a part of Sarawak's rich culinary heritage with the people of China. Sarawak is truly blessed with diverse and meaningful flavours,' said Chef Iana. Meanwhile, Chef Annie Wee, founder of Annie Kolo Mee in Padungan, presented the iconic Sarawak 'kolo mee'. Her version highlighted springy egg noodles tossed in fragrant shallot oil, topped with savoury minced meat and sliced 'char siu' – a faithful nod to the region's beloved hawker heritage. 'I've been eating and making 'kolo mee' since I was young. It's a flavour that brings comfort and home to so many Sarawakians. Being able to share and serve it abroad is a proud moment for me,' she shared. The three Sarawakian chefs were specially invited to participate in this food-focused event, aimed at celebrating cross-cultural friendship through cuisine. More than just a showcase of flavours, the event symbolised the growing importance of promoting Sarawak's unique food identity on the global stage. It was also hailed as a milestone for everyday food lovers, street vendors, and home cooks who have long played a vital role in preserving traditional recipes. The conference was organised by the Linyi Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Lanshan District Culinary Association, and Malaysian collaborators, as part of broader efforts to strengthen gastronomic, business, and cultural cooperation between China and Malaysia. The event brought together business leaders, culinary professionals, and cultural figures from both countries, providing a platform for meaningful exchange and opportunities for Malaysian culinary talents to explore new markets and collaborations abroad. chefs China-Malaysia Food Exchange Conference culinary Sarawak Shandong
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Taiwan band rocks Penang
FANS chanted 'Power Station', sang along to the band's tunes, screamed for an encore and waved their phone flashlights in sync with the music. The legendary Taiwanese rock duo enthralled fans at the Esplanade in George Town, Penang, by belting out five songs, each receiving louder cheers than the last. It was indeed a performance to remember for many. They performed Wu Qing De Qing Shu (Ruthless Love Letter), Zhong Xiao Dong Lu Zou Jiu Bian (Walking on Chung Hsiao East Road Nine Times), Wai Tao (Coat), Wo Hen Hao Pian (Love Me True), and Dang (When), setting the stage on fire with their crisp vocals and electrifying guitar rending. Locals and tourists enjoying the performance during the After Work Fest by 988 FM held at the Esplanade, Penang.( July 27, 2025 ) —CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Regarded as the highlight of the two-day After Work Fest by Star Media Group's (SMG) 988 FM over the weekend, the duo proved their crowd appeal when they paused mid-song and the audience took over singing the lyrics word for word. Other notable artistes who took to the stage to perform on the second day of the two-day fest were Bestards (from Taiwan), Anson Poon, Chronicles Ong Fu Ying and Jud Chen. The first day saw performances by Abin Fang, Uriah See, Diorlying Tan, Trevor Kuo, Ryota Katayama and Z-Chen Zhang. The fest, organised by popular Chinese-language radio station 988 FM in conjunction with its 29th anniversary, was a roaring success as crowds poured in from all over the country on both days. 988 FM DJs Chan Fong and Chloe Low showing the hair she donated. It embodied the spirit of 'Play with Passion, Play with Purpose,' in line with the station's annual theme 'Infinite Play', to help participants de-stress joyfully and unlock creativity and energy. The event also featured 50 creative and artisanal booths that offered workshops for carving wooden chopsticks, making decorated origami fans, arts and crafts. Other booths offered ornaments, accessories, crafts, trinkets, snacks and food for sale. Graphic designer Cassandra Chen, 26, who travelled from Kuala Lumpur with her sister specifically to attend the fest on both days, said, 'We heard about it on the radio and had to make the trip here. 'We are excited to watch Power Station and take part in the activities. 'They are a famous band and it is great to be able to see them in person and enjoy their music. See interacting with the audience, young and old, during his performance at the After Work Fest. 'We usually have to pay for tickets to watch such performances, so it's nice that this is for free,' she said. Chen, who tried her hand at decorating a fan, said she enjoyed the fun activities with her sister while waiting for the performances to begin. 'We have had great two days here and there has been plenty to see and shop at the fest,' she added. Baker Jeffrine Ang, 28, who was seen setting up a picnic on the field while waiting for the acts to begin, said it was a fun day out for them. 'We are all from Penang and heard about the festival. 'We have been fans of some of the local acts since high school. 'We are also fans of the radio station; we came to check out the fest and it has been fun.' Engineer Yeong Sze Hai, 40, who turned up with his friends, said it was mandatory for him to attend the festival as he was an ardent fan of the radio station. 'We wanted to see all the local and international acts. It has a good line-up of performers. 'I am enjoying the vibe as we sit on the field and the weather has been good too.' The event also saw a hair donation campaign and fundraiser, offering free haircuts for those willing to donate their hair. Proceeds from regular haircuts (without hair donation) will benefit Locks of Hope, the National Cancer Society Malaysia and Childhood Cancer Caregivers Support Organisation. 988 FM DJ Chrystina Ng, who initiated the hair donation drive, donated her long tresses. 'It has always been my dream to hold such a campaign and donate my hair. 'I have been working on this for almost 10 years. 'I cut some of my hair today and will keep the other half to cut at the next leg of this campaign.' Ng said she had always grown out her hair with the intention to donate it and was glad that she could encourage others to do the same. 'I am thrilled with the turnout as I never imagined that so many people will donate... it is not an easy decision for people to donate their hair. 'On the first day, we had more than 100 donors and now we expect the count to be much higher,' she said. Also present during the opening ceremony were Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, 988 FM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay, SMG board member Loh Chee Can, chief operating officer Lydia Wang and client brand marketing (bureaus) general manager Simone Liong.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
All set to explore brick version of island republic
Aussie couple Brock McCashney and Jessica Jordan with their sons, Harry and Anthony, enjoying their time at Miniland of Legoland Malaysia and looking forward to the upcoming Singapore-themed expansion. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star Visitors are looking forward to the Singapore-themed Miniland in Legoland Malaysia, which is located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. They anticipate that people will be flocking to the new attraction, which opens to the public tomorrow. Medical officer Dr KB Tharani, 39, who was visiting the park with her family for the first time, was impressed with all the miniatures on display. 'My daughter was thrilled as we have similar Lego sets at home. 'Miniland is such a good way to introduce cultural landmarks to tourists. 'If the Merlion actually shoots water, it will be perfect,' she told StarMetro. Fellow doctor Dr Norizyani Ahmad Fo'ad, 40, a regular visitor with an annual pass, said her family was especially eager to see how Singapore would be brought to life. Dr Tharani and husband S. Veluppillay enjoying their first visit to Legoland Malaysia. 'I cannot wait to see Gardens by the Bay in miniature form. 'Hopefully, there will be more colours too as it will brighten up the whole experience,' she said. Yeung Kam Tai, 37, an ambulance driver from Hong Kong, said it was an interesting experience walking through Miniland. 'It is like stepping into a miniature country. 'It is amazing how they have recreated different parts of the world in such detail. 'This is also a great place to stir creativity in children. They get to learn about famous landmarks while having fun,' said Yeung. Even adults, like train enthusiast Brock McCashney, 36, from Australia, could not hide their excitement over the exhibits. 'As a train driver, my eyes are locked on the moving buses. I cannot believe how realistic it all looks,' he said. 'We will definitely come back to see how they bring Singapore to life, especially with the automation that makes the city feel alive,' he added. Miniland's Singapore expansion will showcase 16 miniature versions of the country's most iconic sights, complete with lights, sounds and movement.
