Dancestors film is here!

The culminating film from Dancestors has arrived, marking the completion of a powerful artistic collaboration between South Asian and Orang Asli Semai communities.

This unique project, supported by British Council Malaysia’s Connections Through Culture grant, bridged South Asian and Orang Asli Semai cultures through dance while addressing issues faced by these marginalised communities around the loss of their land and traditions.

In July 2025, our Artistic Director Suba Subramaniam and dance artist Jesal Patel travelled to Malaysia to work alongside members of the Orang Asli Semai community from the Luheiw Renaweij group, founded by Ronnie Bahari. Together with project partner Gerimis Arts and a dedicated film crew, they embarked on an intensive collaborative process of cultural exchange and creative exploration.

Through workshops and performances, participants shared their stories and traditions using the universal language of movement. The project’s approach centered on co-creation, allowing the community’s voice and experience to shape the artistic work.

The newly released film documents a unique moment of cultural connection and artistic collaboration leading to meaningful dialogue between communities, all using art.