Invisible in Malaysia
Jaz and Julie, siblings rendered stateless by Malaysia's gender-discriminatory citizenship laws, navigate life as invisible members of society.
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Ray TeohProducer
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Ray TeohDirector
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Project Type:Documentary, Short, Student
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Genres:Human Rights, Statelessness, Advocacy, Southeast Asia, Marginalized Voices, Refugee Crisis, Stateless Children, Women's Rights
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Runtime:8 minutes 55 seconds
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Country of Origin:United States, Malaysia
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Country of Filming:Malaysia
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital, 35mm Film
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Aspect Ratio:2.35:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes - California State University, Northridge
Ray Teoh is a Malaysian-born filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. He is a junior at Cal State Northridge. Ray's portfolio includes narrative stories, documentary, experimental 16mm project, VFX, and music video.
As a Malaysian Chinese student studying in the US, Ray brings a unique perspective and experience to his work. His background enables him to bridge connections between different communities through his films. His work often explores themes of personal growth, racial disparities, social justice, and freedom of expression.
The word “statelessness” is unfamiliar to many. But for those less fortunate, it’s the reality they’ve lived with every day. In Malaysia, over 10,000 people are stateless due to reasons like lack of documentation, being foundlings, or being children born out of wedlock. Stateless individuals are denied access to basic rights like education, healthcare, justice, and employment—as well as everyday privileges we often take for granted: drive, open a bank account, or register for a phone number. Most heartbreakingly, they are barred from legally marrying, and because of their status, their children inherit statelessness.
This is a systemic flaw. In an interview I came across online, someone said: “We’re just ghosts that you can see.” That line stuck with me. It’s true. I’ve lived my whole life in Malaysia and had no idea this issue existed in my own country. As I began to explore this issue further, I discovered a proposed amendment that could make things even worse. Despite NGOs’ efforts and international condemnation, the Malaysian government continues to ignore the plight of the stateless.
This documentary was born out of my collaboration with NGOs and the stateless community. I felt a responsibility to use my voice to amplify theirs. What my country does to these individuals is wrong, and it’s not something I’m proud of. I hope this film can bring them some hope, showing that despite their hardships, there are people in the world who truly care about them.
This film was made to inform and advocate—for citizens’ rights not just in Malaysia, but everywhere. Stateless individuals like Jaz and Julie were born and raised in this country. Malaysia is the only home they know. While I acknowledge that this documentary cannot capture the full scope of this crisis, it represents a piece of a larger story—a story of voices that deserve to be heard.