UNINESS

“Uncle, aunty, please do a brief introduction.” The usual warm-up question starts the conversation, bringing us closer, ready for a narrative. There are also a series of impromptu incidents which caught us off-guard.

The personae worked hard for the better part of their lives, adept in their daily job routines. They hardly appear on camera, therefore inevitably become anxious or shy. Some of them may usually be talkative but suddenly tongue-tied, some of them may be inarticulate but dauntless, some of them are eloquent whether on or off camera, some of them are impatient and always hasten, some of them simply take it easy and nonchalant. 

In the process of filming, unexpected interventions often occur, however these are the most genuine aspects in life. Some blunders may be hilarious, some interruptions may be humorous. The way of life itself is most probably the only script. They are amiable and welcome us with smiles. Seeing a group of youths busying themselves with all sorts of equipment, they even became curious. These fresh encounters may be new for them, nevertheless their valuable life experiences are worth learning from.

With consent, they gladly share their stories while we listen attentively. Take a walk in their shoes, documenting events and things around them. Conversing with the personae in narrow shoplots, squatting along streetside business to carry out interviews, persisting to film despite heavy smoke which brought tears to the eyes, following them into forests or sailing out to sea, entering a community to build friendships.

A short self introduction accommodates different local customs. The personae acquire skills throughout their journey in life, leading a stable and modest lifestyle, facing challenges with optimism, generously sharing their stories with us.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Whistle & Clap from YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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Food does not only satisfy biological needs by curbing hunger, but also brings along social connection, forging bonds between people through having meals together. Food habits reflect regional cultures, where diverse living environments nurture particular tastes and cooking methods. From simple daily meals, to seasonal fine dishes, or commonplace delicacies, each type of food plays a crucial role within a family or society. 

Food is a necessity, yet food acquisition depends on the locality of its origin. Regional food culture is formed around food availability, for instance seaside inhabitants fish in the ocean, make belacan, or involve in clam aquaculture; whereas inland folks cultivate land or gather edible food in the wilderness. Food and beverages entrepreneuring is the most ordinary practice, from operating home-based workshops to hawker stalls, or managing retail outlets, they insist on using genuine ingredients, focusing on food quality, and working hard to make ends meet. 

The food we grow up eating is associated with warm personal feelings, each bite we taste contains fond memories. Chinese forefathers who emigrated overseas in the early days preserved their native food culture and its context. For instance when Hainanese rice dumplings are consumed during fortunate times, it locks in good luck; when consumed in misfortune, it wards away bad luck. Chinese New Year rice cakes symbolize good prospects; FuZhou Peace Eggs bear hopes for the safety of the entire family; traditional Hokkien bridal cookies——Mua Lao and Lao Huei, all being familiar relishes and collective memories, passing on the legacy of food culture.

As lifestyles change over time, prevailing tastes also alter, moreover some ingredients were hard to source or barely tolerated by the general public, with onerous and complex procedures, these factors caused several authentic traditional dishes to become eliminated. Manchuria Lard Cake is one of them. Being health-conscious and tend to consume low-sugar and low-fat food, the younger generation could not accept its rich and velvety authentic taste, only the older generation FuZhou folks appreciate it. Due to having left their native land or being separated with their beloved family, upon tasting the familiar delicacies, they are filled with nostalgia. 

On the other hand, there are people who stood firmly by traditional food, utilizing ancient wisdom, retaining basic procedures to preserve the authentic taste. They improve from performing the same tasks repeatedly, striving for perfection from the tedious procedures. For instance the kiln roasted pork and charcoal roasted coffee, working with flames and fumes, years of experience is crucial in quality control; soft and smooth tofu is strenuously produced under high temperature and humidity. 

Food and society, the dishes laid on the table are full of flavours, yet indescribable.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Calm Wind from AShamaluevMusic – YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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“Work until I’m unable to.”

Often uttered by many, this is one of the most common answers. It may sound carefree, yet containing traces of desolation. Our heroes worked hard for the better part of their lives, their lifelong careers integrated with their everyday doings, blurring the lines between. From taking their own initiatives to being under another’s influence, from reluctance to inheritance, each tells their own stories about the vicissitudes of an era, and of transitioning into a new era. Before being phased out, they stayed to their duties steadfastly, working until they no longer could. 

Their spirit and attitude towards life makes it no longer clear whether work is a way to sustain life, or life is just an extension of work. Leaving behind marks in ordinary life, mastering a trade for their entire lives, the warmth and coldness of humanity a testimony to their wisdom. Always keeping in mind the merits of forefathers, without expectations for the younger generations to inherit, they understand that times change. Rather than being dejected, it would be better to say that they have undergone an era trudging in mud. They are passionate about their work and expertise at it, yet discreetly blending in with the surroundings of a simple life. 

“Work until I’m unable to.” A seemingly casual statement, however with far deeper meanings attached. It sustains life by promoting motivation, providing an outlet for yearnings, and affirming capabilities. They chose resilience over “work” and “inability”, regardless of tough times and advancing age. They are happy to be working, whenever they receive commendations, their faces are lit with satisfaction. Although traditional industries may face elimination and become a thing of the past, they remain in the same old place, working with professional familiarity, until the day they no longer could. 

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Documentary

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

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