2021
Production began when we thought Covid-19 restrictions in Malaysia would ease. Cases skyrocketed instead, and the government doubled down in response. Police roadblocks were set up at every district border in the country, and only those with authorised permission were allowed to travel past certain distances. With the traditional talking heads and b-roll formats no longer an option, the participant interviews were conducted virtually.
2022
Having only video call footage and run-and-gun audio to work with, we decided to turn the recordings into voice overs that will play in tandem with animated sequences, bringing their stories to life in an engaging manner. No one wants to look at a bunch of Zoom screens after all!
Each 6-8 minute episode has a different animator to showcase the distinct circumstances and personalities of every participant through various visual styles, all while maintaining an overall hand-drawn/painted look.
2023
With our crowdfunding campaign successfully wrapped, we continued working hard to bring the participants’ stories to life.
2024
We screened episodes 1-3 on Sunday, May 26 at Facets Theater in Chicago, followed by a Q&A session with the crew. The proceeds went toward helping out 2 of our participants, Peter and DHRRA Malaysia.
Peter used the funds to buy school supplies, along with paying off a portion of the rent for the space the school uses. DHRRA Malaysia used the funds to support advocacy and data collection efforts to further address statelessness in the country. These include social protection, psychological support, policy and advocacy, paralegal assistance, and awareness campaigns.
Check out the event highlights video here!
2025
We premiered the docuseries in its entirety at Sunway University, one of Malaysia’s and Southeast Asia’s top universities, on 25-26 June 2025. The premiere was part of an exhibition also organized by the Invisible People committee to further amplify stateless and refugee voices.
Partner Organizations: Amnesty International Malaysia, Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN), Borneo Komrad, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, Chin Refugee Committee Learning Center, Dari Dapur, Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia, Dorna, Family Frontiers, Fugee Org, Innkuan Project, Mon Refugee Learning Centre, Myanmar Ethnics Organization, Picha Eats, The Fourth, Way Studios, Wellness x Dignity
Check out the event highlights video here!
The full series is now streaming for FREE on Cinemata, a platform dedicated to social issue films in the Asia-Pacific region! Check out all episodes here , along with the accompanying writeup by Nadira Ilana!
Keep up with project updates on our socials here! Email invisiblepeopledoc@gmail.com if you’d like to host a screening with us!