Save the internet! 2021 was a challenging year for digital rights in the Asia Pacific region. There was a general increase in state surveillance and digital right violations such as internet shutdowns in Myanmar, disinformation and attacks on online activism in the Philippines, and the doxxing of protesters in Indonesia and Thailand.

Our cyberspace is under attack, with freedom of expression stifled to an alarming degree. To address this, EngageMedia, a not-for-profit, video-for-change organisation worked with eight filmmakers across the region to produce short films on the region’s pressing digital rights issues. The Tech Tales film collection highlights human rights stories in the digital age. These films employ various storytelling forms and tools, from narrative fiction, documentary format to animation.

NSFTV had the privilege to speak to the directors of three films that stood out to us because of their geographic closeness to Singapore. Here’s what they had to say.

Talk to each other, tell us what you thought of the films and your own experiences with digital rights!

Black Out

Director: Anonymous Director
Country of Origin: Myanmar

Black Out reflects the disinformation being spread – and lack of information available – to the people in Myanmar following the military coup of February 2021. Aside from the internet being throttled, the licenses of media outlets were revoked with protesters and journalists being arrested. The film offers an intimate glimpse into the chaos of this nationwide lockdown - with no information and no one to trust, what becomes of a home?

My Clouded Mind

Director: Annisa Adjam
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Crew: inteamates.id

Naura can’t sleep. It is through the eyes of her doll Melati, that audiences discover the horrors that Naura has experienced. A victim of online gender-based violence (OBGV), Naura lives amongst terror, clouded by past conversations and time spent with her ex-boyfriend and also perpetuator of the crime. ‘My Clouded Mind’ follows Naura’s journey through her trauma and her road towards recovery, and eventual self acceptance. 

The Offensive Internet

Director: Chen Yih Wen
Country of Origin: Malaysia

In 2019, Malaysia had an internet penetration of 90%. Imagine almost an entire country online, but is still heavily policed by law. With its Communications and Multimedia Act, the Malaysian government has been clamping down on voices and opinions in the country’s digital space. South China Morning Post journalist Tashny Sukumaran and veteran cartoonist Zunar have been continually harassed by the law for speaking up. ‘The Offensive Internet’ details their experiences with the law and why they continue to push for freedom of speech in their country.