Write a short summary of what happens in the film

In a tale of two brothers, water represents the tenacity of family ties: no matter what happens, these bonds remain unchanging. The brothers grow up together in an orphanage and discover a secret spot by the river bank, and create fond memories here. But the world of comfort they build shatters; the older brother will be adopted to live with a family and will leave the orphanage. Can the brother left behind, rejoice for his brother who will finally have a home and a chance at normalcy? The day arrives for him to leave; it’s a separation marked by pain, heavy-heartedness, and unresolved strain. Decades later, the elder brother goes back to their secret spot, to find a message from his brother— it’s a plea for forgiveness. The voice cuts through time. The memories rush back, and he is overwhelmed by emotion.

Cultural/Context information for the jury

In the Malay proverb ‘Air dicincang tidak akan putus’ (directly translated as ‘water doesn’t break apart when you chop it’), water is synonymous with family ties. Inspired by the proverb, the brand has produced their first festive short film, in celebration of Hari Raya. For Muslims, the celebration of Hari Raya, signifies the end of Ramadan, the fasting month. Family is everything, and this festive period is the time to seek forgiveness — to nurture and mend strained relationships. It is therefore particularly poignant in the film, that the younger brother is unable to find it in himself to forgive his brother and to ask for his forgiveness, during the festivities of Hari Raya. The older brother looks past this transgression and the bond stands the test of time. He still holds the memories dear to him without bearing a grudge.

Tell the jury anything relevant about the direction. Do not name the director.

The director of the film celebrates Hari Raya, and is especially empathetic to the characters of the film and sought to capture on screen the power of human connection. The team looked for actors with the ability to show the complexity of human emotion. In order to sustain the attention of viewers, it had to be gripping, and for there to be enough conflict to be resolved. What was also important was shooting with the edit structure in mind; the end segment of the film that brought the film together, hinged upon the successful intercutting of shots: the memories as little boys with present day reality of the elder brother wistfully recollecting them. Finding the ideal locations were also paramount — to find locations which exist today that could convincingly replicate the 1960s. This involved scouring abandoned schools, government buildings and orphanages.