The KLEX Film Programme Curatorial Team 2014 spearheaded the fifth edition of the Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film & Video Festival (KLEX), an essential platform for experimental cinema in Southeast Asia. This team, comprising notable figures from Malaysia’s independent art and film scenes, brought a diverse, international, and stimulating collection of avant-garde works to local audiences. Their collective expertise underscored the festival’s commitment to nurturing an appreciation for non-mainstream media and fostering global exchange in experimental film.
The KLEX Film Programme Curatorial Team 2014: Who They Were
The KLEX Film Programme Curatorial Team 2014 consisted of four distinguished individuals, each bringing a unique perspective to the selection and presentation of works for the festival’s Open Programmes:
- Kok Siew-Wai: As the co-founder, director, and curator of KLEX since its inception in 2010, Siew-Wai is a central figure. She is a versatile artist herself—a video artist, voice improviser, and independent artist-organizer. Her background in Media Study and Electronic Integrated Arts from universities in the USA provided a strong academic and artistic foundation for leading the festival’s curatorial direction. Her previous curatorial work for KLEX had already positioned the festival internationally, with special screenings in places like France, Hong Kong, and Germany.
- Andrew Stiff: An academic and creative practitioner with a focus on digital media and architecture, Andrew Stiff contributed a viewpoint concerned with the urban environment and moving image. His background in painting and his role as Deputy Dean of the School of Media Art and Design at Linton University College in Malaysia provided a crucial link between academic theory, digital practice, and the arts community.
- Azharr Rudin: Known for his work as a filmmaker, Azharr Rudin brought the practical, award-winning experience of a director to the team. His films, which include works like Majidee and the experimental The Amber Sexalogy, have been featured in major international festivals, enriching the team with a deep understanding of cinematic narrative and experimental form.
- Chong Keat-Aun: A multifaceted artist whose roles span cross-cultural performing artist, radio programmer, deejay, and film critic, Keat-Aun added a valuable community and critical dimension. His focus on preserving Malaysian Chinese accents and dialects through cultural projects highlights a dedication to heritage and local context, offering a grounded perspective to the international line-up.
Curatorial Vision and Thematic Focus of KLEX 2014
The fifth edition of the Kuala Lumpur Experimental Film & Video Festival, themed “The First Time,” ran from November 19–23, 2014. The curatorial team’s primary task was to review over 170 submissions from a global open call—including works from countries like Canada, Japan, Germany, Russia, and the UK—to construct the festival’s core KLEX Open Programmes.
Embracing the Open Call
From the large volume of submissions, the team selected 37 short videos to form three distinct KLEX Programmes. This process was a meticulous exercise in discerning quality, originality, and thematic resonance within the vast landscape of international experimental cinema. The team’s diverse backgrounds ensured a multi-angled selection process, valuing both formal experimentation and contextual relevance.
Beyond the Open Programmes
The curatorial work extended to integrating several significant International Guest Programmes, which provided essential context and dialogue for the local audience:
- Berlinale Shorts: Two programmes from the prestigious 2014 Berlin International Film Festival, curated by Ms. Maike Mia Höhne, were presented, offering a window into one of the world’s leading film festivals.
- International Collaborations: The festival also featured guest programmes from curators and organizations in France and Thailand (like Filmvirus), further solidifying KLEX’s role as a nexus for global experimental film exchange.
The collaborative and multi-perspectival approach of the KLEX Film Programme Curatorial Team 2014 successfully highlighted the festival’s mission: to serve as an indispensable platform for introducing cutting-edge, non-commercial cinema to Malaysia and connecting local artists with the international community. Their work was instrumental in cementing KLEX’s reputation as a vital, artist-run, grassroots event in the global experimental film circuit.
