“Still Doing It Themselves, with a Little Help from Friends”

This paper focuses on independent filmmaking in Malaysia in the new millennium. What has developed or changed since the initial heady mid-2000s when digital cameras enabled a new wave of filmmakers to burst on the international film circuit? What challenges persist and what enables sustainability? The indie scene in Malaysia is low-key and less consistent in production output compared to its neighbors. Structural reasons related to Malaysia’s multiracial population, its history, politics, and relative economic comfort may account for this disparity. Lastly, this paper notes the importance of networking locally as well as across the region where “a little help from friends” is essential to sustain independent filmmaking, especially when structural support is lacking and while competing with high-quality regional filmmakers for shrinking global funds.