Gawe ka padi

Following the disruption of the global pandemic, the Salako Community could celebrate their harvest festival again in June 2024. Gawe ka padi documents the Salako traditions in the longhouse communities on Borneo Island. The end of the padi (rice)
harvesting season is celebrated by the community coming together to
share food and drinks as well as traditional music and dance. Those who
no longer live in the remote parts of Sarawak travel back to the village
to celebrate bringing the community together across all generations.

Smartphone filmmaker Max Schleser was invited by co-producer Gus to
join the Gawai festival in Pueh. As a Salako community member, Gus
shares some insights and explains the ritual for us. The decision to
produce a vertical video emerged during the filming when Max portrayed
the traditional costume. The co-producers hope to support safeguarding
the intangible cultural heritage and, through the vertical video format,
inspire the next generation to use storytelling and technology in
meaningful ways. Smartphone filmmaking operates in a non-intrusive
manner, providing an opportunity to capture the experience of being part
of the Gawai festival.