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Pecah Lobang: Muslim transsexual sex workers in Malaysia from Poh Si Teng on Vimeo.
”Pecah Lobang” was directed by Poh Si Teng (http://www.pohsi.com), one of the winners of the Freedom Film Fest 2008.
“Pecah Lobang”, which means “busted”, explores what it’s like to be a Muslim transsexual sex worker in Malaysia.
Shot in the Chow Kit red light district, the documentary revolves around Natasha, a Muslim Mak Nyah, who refuses to live life as a man. Unable to secure employment because of discrimination, Natasha turns to sex work and lives in constant fear of the police and religious authorities.
Crossdressing is a crime under Syariah law for Muslims and the penalties are severe. But it wasn’t always so. How did Malaysia become so heavy-handed on the transsexual community?
A religious scholar, a physician who conducted sex change surgeries, a sociologist, three attorneys and an outreach worker explain how it all came to be.
Screenings will be held at the following venues on the following dates:
(1) The Annexe Gallery Studio Theatre, Kuala Lumpur (6 Sept. 2008) – 8:30 p.m.
(ii) Tropical Inn, Johor Bahru (13 Sept. 2008) – 8:30 p.m.
(iii) Old Court House, Kuching (20 Sept. 2008) – 8:30 p.m.
(iii) Wawasan Open University (WOU), Penang (27 Sept. 2008) – 8:30 p.m.
For more information, please see http://www.pecahlobang.com.
