Experiencing Interruptions?

Sangkar Burung (Birdcage)

Retired for 30 years now, Senin, an 83-year-old Malay man, occupies his time crafting objects made out of wood. He explains to a client that he does this to fill his time. His client orders a handmade birdcage which will be completed in a week. He gets started on his project but is constantly interrupted by duties as a husband to care for his aging wife who is a lot less mobile and active as he is. He painstakingly cuts the pieces by hand and assembles them in his makeshift workspace.

  • Nasrullah Zaren
    Director
  • Nasrullah Zaren
    Writer
  • Farah Diyanah Razid
    Producer
  • Syamsul Bahari
    Editor
  • Nurhidayat M. N.
    Cinematographer
  • Nurhidayat M. N.
    Audio Mixer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Singapore
  • Country of Filming:
    Singapore
  • Language:
    Malay
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director - Nasrullah Zaren
Director Statement

I made this film about the life of my uncle after he showed me the different works of wood he had been working on. It made me wonder what would happen to this part of my culture when his generation passes on as none of the techniques have been passed down. Seeing the wide variety of work and the consumption of time also made me think about how he spends his days, having been retired for almost 30 years. I used to have a mystical understanding of the livelihood of the elderly as I did not have the privilege of spending time with my grandparents. Whilst shooting this documentary, it became apparent to me that my views of the living conditions of the elderly are not what they seem. Despite being married for over 50 years, my uncle and his wife barely speak a word to each other. They seem happier living in their own worlds, with her and the tv and him with his work. Having to care for the house and his wife also affects my uncle and his work. Making this film helped me immortalize the craftsmanship of my forefathers and helped me understand how the elderly can be at home alone and the challenges they face.