'Echoes to the Deepest Grain' follows Memeto Jack, a woodcut artist from the Pangrok Sulap Collective, as she creates art that amplifies the voices of marginalised women and stateless girls. She and Pangrok Sulap collaborate with Borneo Komrad, the NGO running the school, to create artworks and performances addressing sensitive issues like gender equality and sexual harassment within the stateless community, drawing inspiration directly from the students of the Alternative School Semporna and demonstrating the transformative power of art.
Director’s Statement: Through this film, I aim to highlight the resilience and creativity present within marginalised communities. The documentary explores how art can be a powerful tool for empowerment and advocacy, amplifying the voices of stateless girls from the Alternative School Semporna. It addresses critical social issues like gender equality and sexual harassment within their community, showcasing their courage and highlighting their stories, illustrating how art can inspire change and give voice to the voiceless.
Putri Purnama Sugua, from Sandakan, is a passionate advocate for stateless children's issues. Her award-winning short film, 'Dream To Fly,' earned accolades locally and internationally. With seven films to her name, she continues to be a voice for the marginalised and powerless, currently working on her debut feature, 'Hidup Aku Curi' (Life I Stole) backed by Script Development Funds from Asian Cinema Funds.