Red Envelopes and Empty Pockets follows twelve-year-old Ah Boy as he struggles to live up to his family’s high expectations during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Constantly compared to his "lucky" and high-achieving cousin Ah Bin, Ah Boy feels inadequate until a moment of crisis reveals that true luck isn't found in wealth or grades, but in the strength of one's character. Through a selfless...
This slice-of-life story follows Jali, a young boy working on the Melaka River Cruise during his school holidays. Through his interactions with diverse passengers like the wise Uncle Tan and the jovial aunties, and by observing the city's vibrant riverbanks, Jali gains a deeper understanding of his community's rich history and cultural tapestry. His experiences on the river help him discover a...
This slice-of-life story follows Kai, a 9-year-old boy, as he spends his school holidays helping his family run their food stall at a traditional floating market on Pangkor Island. Through his daily tasks, from sorting fresh fish to making deliveries in a small sampan, Kai learns about the challenges and rewards of this unique way of life, the intricacies of a family business, and the profound...
"The Last Boat to Kukup Fishing Village" follows Mei-Mei, a city girl initially resistant to spending her summer with relatives in a unique stilted fishing village. Through daily chores, traditional games with local children, and participation in vibrant cultural festivals, Mei-Mei gradually sheds her dependence on technology and embraces the slower, community-focused lifestyle. She learns the...
Ah Boy, a quiet twelve-year-old boy, spends his weekends as an apprentice at the Southern Heritage Zoo in Johor, finding a sense of purpose he lacks in his daily school life. Under the guidance of his gruff but wise mentor, Uncle Musa, Ah Boy learns that zookeeping is a profound responsibility that involves protecting wild spirits and educating the public. Through his bond with a gentle tapir...
A Starry Night Over the National Planetarium follows Eddy, a boy living in a cramped city apartment who uses the local planetarium as a sanctuary from his parents' constant arguing. Alongside a new friend named Miki, Eddy learns to view his family’s struggles through the lens of astronomy, realizing that just as city lights hide the stars without destroying them, his current hardships are only...
Kites Over Kepong Metropolitan Park is a touching slice-of-life story about the Lim family, who have become distant and strained following a year of financial hardship. During a Sunday outing to a famous park in Kuala Lumpur, Papa, Meiling, and Wei Han struggle to fly a traditional batik kite. Through the physical challenges of managing the kite and a tense moment with a tangled string, the...
When the beloved Batu Ferringhi Pasar Malam loses its vibrant charm due to a broken generator, a group of resourceful children – Eddy, Anna, Lily, Bell, Vivian, Emma, and Hyuga – embark on a mission to restore its sparkle. Discovering the cause of the dim lights and silent music, they ingeniously use battery-powered fairy lights from Vivian's grandpa to illuminate the market. Their collaborative...
The old radio crackled. A fuzzy voice announced a heatwave. Maya fanned herself with a worn-out magazine. The air in her tiny apartment hung thick and heavy, like a damp wool blanket. Outside, the Los Angeles sun beat down mercilessly.
The neon glow of Tokyo's Shibuya crossing painted streaks across Hana's rain-slicked glasses. Thousands surged around her, a river of umbrellas and hurried footsteps. She clutched a worn, red shoe, its sole flapping like a broken wing.
