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As 2024 draws to a close, it’s not uncommon for many to reflect on the year that has been and hope to engage in more fruitful pursuits, moving forward. In line with this, Malaysa’s oil and gas company has come up with a Peranakan-themed short film, aptly titled: Setulus Hati/With Open Hearts.

At the outset, the entire theme might leave viewers confused – especially because the theme has hardly anything to do with hoping for a brighter and better 2025. However, by the end, you’ll learn that regardless of how strange the theme feels, overall, it will circle back to something more universal.

I can’t help but think how timely such a short film is out, especially because of what’s been in the news lately. So, seeing how this is now released offers a glimmer of hope that there’s still those who value what we usually would take for granted – familial bonds – even when there’s a slightly different arrangement of the family unit.

For those who grew up with even the slightest influence of the Peranakan way of life, this short film will (hopefully) resonate with them to a certain extent. For this particular short film, consultation was done with a true-blue Peranakan female Nyonya who has links to both the Melaka Peranakans and Penang Peranakans, thanks to both her parents. I think that’s why the slices of the Peranakan way of life were stunningly yet naturally presented on screen, especially the beginning (I just had to watch the starting twice).

Perhaps, the trilingualism in this short film stands out as one of the highlights – with mainly English spoken, but also partly some Malay spoken and displayed, and a hint of Hokkien – which all are symbolic to being a typical Peranakan.

The multi-coloured kuihs and kebayas are partly all depictions of being a Peranakan, but also a much-needed jolt about how simply multicultural and diverse Malaysians are. Even then, the essence is – despite our differences, we’re all just human beings – and hopefully with this piece of fiction, it will inspire many, old and young alike, to treat each other with kindness, respect and dignity.

So, how about surprising your neighbour or a loved one with pieces of kueh angku, after this?

Go ahead and tell me how that works out for you.

See you in 2025! Fingers crossed.