Witch’s Gaze

Logline

A greedy runaway girl finds refuge at an old witch’s hut. But when she feeds an ancient spirit in exchange for gold, she unleashes a nightmare that forces her to face the true cost of her greed.

Artist’s Statement

Witch’s Gaze was created to explore contemporary issues through the lens of Malaysian folklore. Growing up surrounded by local myths and legends, I was drawn to their cautionary nature and their emphasis on balance, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions, especially in relation to the environment and the beings that inhabit it. The film is inspired by the aesthetics and storytelling spirit of Wayang Kulit, a traditional form of shadow puppetry known for its epic battles between good and evil. With my film, I aimed to capture the feeling and tonal quality of traditional stories while creating an original narrative that reflects contemporary issues.

Through Aida’s journey, I explore how unchecked desire can fracture the fragile relationship between humanity and nature. While the mythical creatures reflect the present culture of overconsumption and environmental exploitation, becoming more destructive the more they are fed by human fear and greed. Visually, I combine traditional and digital animation techniques to echo the layered, shadowed quality of Wayang Kulit. With this film, I hope to share the cultural influences that shaped me and tell a story that feels personal and relevant to the world we live in today.