We gathered at a theatre, but not for a movie.
Not Barbie or Oppenheimer, just Panggilan Anak Pulau!
Hello everyone!
A few weeks ago, together with other island descendants, we called for a gathering called Panggilan Anak Pulau. It was our first-ever large public event, and you guys answered with a loud, resounding yes. More than 250 of us huddled together in the Redrum at The Projector, showing up for a simple yet significant reason – to reclaim the narratives of Singapore’s ex-islanders.
When the idea of celebrating a day for islanders came to mind, it felt surreal to be able to invite the people who used to live on the islands and those who never got to call their island their home, in one space.
We wanted it to be a multi-faceted event, where we could discuss the history of the islands and the cultures that have become an inherent part of our families as ex-islanders, even as time has passed, alongside appreciating the food, art, and diverse talents of the community.
Seeing everyone wake up and turn up at 10am in colourful garb (you guys have wonderful fashion sense!), holding conversations in the foyer with pandan tea, and a bowl of warm Bubur Lambuk Ikan Tenggiri in hand, was just surreal. It felt like many from the community came because they believed and fought, headstrong, for this day to exist - which warmed our hearts.
We brought together a little programme, all kudos to the enthusiasm of Dr Imran Tajudeen, Dr Hamzah Muzaini, Jamal Ismail, Syafiqah Ja’affar, former Southern islanders and descendants, the folks at Malay Heritage Centre, NTU-CCA, Stephanie Thong and her team who worked on the short film PULAU, and not forgetting a soulful outpour of emotions through song and dance, by our island queen of many talents, Asnida Daud.
This event would not have come together without the help of our reliable team of cheerful volunteers, who have set aside time in the weeks leading up to the event to meticulously silkscreen our tote bags, one at a time. They were the friendly faces that you may have seen around the event, too, helping you out at the art booth, food booth, registration, and making sure all was smooth on the stage.
We’re heartened by the response towards our event, and we wished we could have accommodated more of you who have reached out after the tickets have already been sold out. Not to worry, because something a storm is brewing on the horizon – we’re already looking forward to 2024, where a wave of change is about to happen.
Hari Orang Pulau, or Islander’s Day, will be an entire weekend of celebrations in June next year. We’re looking forward to this being a festival of sorts, bringing together an even larger audience and collaborators to join in the fun and programmes!
If you’d like to support us, we still have some pretty merch left! To volunteer with us or partner together for Hari Orang Pulau 2024, feel free to reach out at hello@oranglaut.sg and say hello!
Meanwhile, with the folks at The Black Sampan, we are organising a small get-together this Friday evening to discuss the impacts of climate change, our culture, the economy, and how it all may intertwine. We’d love to chat with you about this.
If you would like to join, register below! Seats are limited.
Take care, and see you soon.
Firdaus