Rising Film Visionaries Disrupt The Underground
27 August 2024
Cue the spotlight and roll the cameras—you're in for an epic adventure! We’re thrilled to celebrate our students whose creative journey is making waves in Malaysia’s underground music scene. Earning a prestigious ‘Special Mention’ in the Best Student Film category at Freedom Film Fest 2024, Mickhiel Akid (aka Akid), Victoria Pratomo, and Arifah Zainal, the dynamic trio from the School of Arts and Social Sciences, are on the verge of cinematic fame. Set to graduate this November, their documentary, “HARDCORE: Amplifying the Unheard,” delves into a niche yet electrifying world, showcasing their creative brilliance and passion for storytelling.
Akid, Victoria and Arifah are a powerhouse team whose unique backgrounds have shaped their creative journey. Victoria, originally from Borneo, Indonesia, has traversed from Australia to Indonesia before making Malaysia her home. Her dual major in communications and film studies reflects her passion and practical approach. Victoria revealed that the pandemic ignited her deep dive into films.
From left: Mickhiel, Arifah, Victoria —the creative minds behind the lens of HARDCORE: Amplifying the Unheard.
Arifah, affectionately known as Ifah, adds a global perspective to the mix. Born in Canada and having lived in Singapore, the United States of America and Malaysia, her diverse experiences shaped her academic focus on communications, film, and global studies. Akid’s journey is equally compelling. Immersed in Kuala Lumpur’s underground music scene from a young age, he found his calling through the raw energy of live gigs. Initially a global studies major with a film elective, Akid’s deep connection to the underground scene inspired him to use filmmaking to showcase the voices of those often overlooked. “I’ve been attending gigs since I was 14, I wanted to capture the essence of this vibrant scene and reveal its true face to the world,” Akid says.
“HARDCORE: Amplifying the Unheard” stands as a powerful reflection of the crew's dedication and vision. Choosing the hardcore genre was a deliberate decision to humanise and shine light on the underground music community. The journey to bring the documentary to life was fraught with challenges, from pitching the concept amid concerns about political content to grappling with the complexities of filming live gigs.
Despite these obstacles, the team’s perseverance paid off, and it was bolstered by invaluable support from Dr Chrishandra Sebastiampillai, who provided essential resources. Dr Chrishandra praised the team’s dedication, saying, "Their film is a testament to their creativity and hard work and an excellent way of demonstrating skills that are in demand by so many industries at present. They have gone from watching the films screened during the Freedom Film Fest to screening their own film at the Fest—I can only imagine how they feel!"
On location—where the story of HARDCORE: Amplifying the Unheard comes to life.
Looking to the future, the trio is filled with optimism and ambition. Akid is eager to continue exploring unique stories and showcasing hidden voices, Victoria plans to balance her creative pursuits with financial stability, and Ifah is excited to dive into projects that explore social issues and cultural narratives through film.
This is Monash University Malaysia for you! We’re more than just a university—we’re a launchpad for your passions. Here, your creative dreams, whether in film, communications or beyond, can truly soar. Victoria, Arifah, and Akid’s journey with “HARDCORE” illustrates how overcoming challenges leads to extraordinary achievements. Join Monash University Malaysia to tap into our exceptional resources and vibrant community and turn your ideas into reality. Ready to star in your own success story? Dive into a world of innovation and impact with us.