THE vast depths of the Niah Caves form a stunning backdrop to a new short film from Sarawak about a father and daughter and their community’s tradition of bird’s nest harvesting.
Written and directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Danish Busmah, Space Between not only showcases Niah’s natural beauty but explores a father’s relationship with his young daughter as they navigate the weight of heritage and unspoken love between them.
It’s a story inspired by local culture and heritage, something that Danish hopes fellow filmmakers will explore in their work.
“’Space Between is more than just a short film, it is a deeply personal story about a daughter, her father and the silent weight of memory, grief and love.
‘Space Between’ was shot on location in the Niah Caves. — Photo courtesy of 21 Ways Film
“But behind the fiction lies something real: our collective desire as Sarawakians to tell the stories that matter, stories that come from our heritage and lived experiences,” he said at the film’s premiere screening in Kuching ahead of its release on TVS on June 15 in conjunction with Father’s Day.
Featuring local actors Julai Billie and Darweesha Dasuki as the father and daughter, Space Between was filmed on location at Niah National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Danish said the 12-minute film is likely the first to be shot in the heart of the Niah Caves.
“The caves and the surrounding area are home to the generational tradition of bird’s nest harvesting.
The movie showcases the natural beauty of the Niah Caves. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
“It is this world and this legacy that inspired the emotional core of this short film.”
The story also has a personal connection for him, as his father comes from Kampung Lobang Batu, Serian, which has a similar tradition of collecting bird’s nests.
“That’s where I got the inspiration for the story. Then we expanded it to Niah, because we feel the grandeur of the location is very understated and we really wanted to emphasise the beauty that we have.”
Produced by 21 Ways Film, a Sarawakian production house, Space Between was supported by the Sarawak heritage, arts and culture facilitation fund in collaboration with TVS.
Danish said the film is proof that Sarawakian stories are worth telling, not only for a local audience but for global viewers.
Local actors Julai (right) and Darweesha (centre) played the father and daughter in ‘Space Between’, directed by Danish (left).
With plans to submit Space Between to international film festivals by next year, he hoped its story will go beyond Sarawak’s shores while remaining rooted in local culture and traditions.
“I truly believe this is only the beginning for all of us. We look forward to seeing more of our voices and vision taking the stage,” he said.
