Film highlights student research in Malaysia
March 30, 2006
KALAMAZOO--"Jaunt to Malaysia: an Encounter with 'Developed' Malaysia," filmed and produced by Western Michigan University graduate Tristan Brown, will be shown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, in Room 1301 of Wood Hall. The screening will feature an introduction by Brown, who was a student when he produced the film, and will include outtakes and a question and answer session.
The 40-minute film, cut from more than 11 hours of raw footage, depicts Brown's preconceptions about traveling to Malaysia, his reactions while getting acquainted with the foreign land, as well as his reactions to the "unexpected." The film also highlights the effects of development on the Temuan people--a native tribe of Malaysia. Specifically, the film documents the affects of a large state-sponsored dam on the sacred land and culture of the Temuan.
Brown says the film is educational, entertaining and "includes a great soundtrack."
"Jaunt to Malaysia" was funded by undergraduate student research grants from WMU's Lee Honors College and College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Lynne Heasley, assistant professor of history and environmental studies, was Brown's faculty mentor for his research in Malaysia and for the subsequent film project at WMU. Tuesday's presentation of the film is funded by the Western Student Association and Students for a Sustainable Earth.
An April 2005 environmental science graduate of WMU, Brown is one of 100 students worldwide to win a 2006-07 Gates Cambridge Scholarship, one of the world's most prestigious awards in higher education.
Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, email@example.com