NOOB FILM REVIEW - Cikgu Hana Director's Cut (Digital Storytelling Animation 2018) SK Temong - A Rotoscope Animation

ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF FILM AS NATION BUILDING TOOL

SYNOPSIS

Jia who is studying in UNIMAS is on a semester break and at the same time working on an assignment about Malaysia. Her old schoolmate, Lia who is currently working is taking her on a journey together in search of their ex-teacher Cikgu Hana, who owns a time machine that can bring them back to the past and teach them about the country, and help Jia with her assignment at the same time.

REVIEW

Despite the 6 minutes length of the well-done rotoscopic animation, it is amazing how many stuff is being cramped in on so many levels. These are some of the things I can spot.

• Jia and Lia were from the same school but each took a separate path. Jia continues her study and Lia works in a tech company. (Respect each others choice)
• Both are still a good friend and remember their ex-teacher, Cikgu Hana. And also Cikgu Hana being a good teacher, remembers Jia and Lia. (Teacher setting a good example.)
• Cikgu Hana being innovative and forward thinking bringing in the 'time machine' (which I think is a VR headset) to expose the students to technology and at the same time teach them about history in an interesting way. (Creative teaching)
• Exposure to skills using the computer in starting at a very young age to make it intuitive and natural for them to face the challenges of the future.
• The introduction of technology to the older generations, like how Jia's father tried out the VR headset. (Learning should never stop)
• Utilizing technology to preserve and restore history. Like how Cikgu Hana did with A.D.N. (Arkib Negara Digital)

Its a colorful and cheerful way to introduce the youngsters to new technology and ideas and not to scare them with the complexity.

The central role of a teacher is clearly shown here as education and moral reference. Parents need to be supportive to with this endeavor and don't be like Jia's father (he put on the VR headset and liked it anyway)

I think in making this short animation, a lot of things were learned together in the production crew. The result is a charming story of teenagers with their hometown and country close to their heart. Jia's vocal narration adds a lot to the personality of the whole short film.

Reminded me so much of Yee Hwa's short film, 'Tudung Saji Buah Hati' which trying to educate the Moslem young girls to wear the tudung in a very colorful and entertaining way.

Watch "Cikgu Hana" here