The first-ever Klang River Festival 2022 (KRF) will take place in the Klang Valley, and it will be an annual open festival with the goal of encouraging open dialogue and sharing of information about the region’s rich cultural history and many identities.
Klang River Festival 2022
The public is encouraged to explore (or rediscover) the neighbourhoods and cities situated along the Klang River through the festival’s free entrance and varied programme featuring contemporary art, social, and cultural events.
1. Exhibitions
Klang River Festival 2022 provides spectacular exhibitions such as Parallels: Old Klang Road Revisited & Living By The River Photography Exhibition
Parallels: Old Klang Road Revisited
Through the sites and people whose lives revolve around the Klang River and Old Klang Road, the exhibition Parallels: Old Klang Road Revisited investigates the connection between these two important areas of Malaysia. Members of the public are encouraged to contribute their own anecdotes to a memory bank that will be created in conjunction with the exhibition.
Artist: Zhen Yhue Dennis Ong, Hern-Ee Caleb Goh, Ken Lim, Fairuz Sulaiman & Nawfal Mohd Zamri
Date & Time: 25 November – 4 December 2022, from 11 am – 9pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
Living By The River Photography Exhibition
The settlements that line the banks of the Klang River are the subject of the collective photography exhibition Living by the River. From the untouched wilderness beside the river to the concrete jungle created by progress. Photographers, academics, and cultural workers lead us on an investigation into the many faces and meanings of the Klang River.
Artist: Various artists
Date & Time: 25 November – 4 December 2022 from 11 am – 6pm
Location: Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit OACC’s official website and Instagram.
2. Installation
Klang River Festival 2022 provides spectacular installation from My Island by Liew Chee Heai.
My Island
My Island entails a poetic, large scale installation that contains slices of the artist’s life memories living on an island. The interior of KongsiKL is stark and muscular, with its exposed iron roof trusses and concrete floor. In stark contrast, an island’s nature is gentle and mysterious when left to its own devices. Softening the hard edges of the KongsiKL area is the goal of this installation.
Artist: Liew Chee Heai
Date & Time: 25 November – 4 December 2022 from 11 am – 11pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
3. Light Projections
Klang River Festival 2022 provides light projections such as Flow. Klang River Fest & Dari Lumpur Ke Laut.
Flow. Klang River Fest
Since the Klang River Festival 2022 runs through the heart of Klang Valley’s heavily populated area, it provides the inspiration for the festival’s theme. In spite of the proliferation of factories along the Klang River, the river has been ignored and is now being used as a garbage dump.
Artist: Filamen
Date & Time: 28 November – 4 December 2022 from 8 pm – 10.30 pm
Location: Plaza Prima Facade, (Plaza Prima Setapak), 35, Jalan Prima Setapak 5, Setapak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit Kongsi KL’s official website and Instagram.
Dari Lumpur Ke Laut
Dari Lumpur Ke Laut uses projection mapping and ambient noises to delve into the history of Malaysia’s relationship with the Klang River and its vanishing inhabitants.
Event is a multi-paneled kaleidoscope of light and colour along the riverbank, taking place beneath the NPE bridge that carries traffic across the water at Old Klang Road. It maps the views and sounds of the river onto the overpass superstructure, with images influenced by the stories/histories and observations about the river.
The soft sounds of nature are contrasted with the bustle of human conversation and the percussive thud of passing cars thanks to the sound design. The projections will run nightly for 5 days, 3 hours per night, and loop every 15-30 minutes.
Artist: Sans Collective; Alia Alasri, Bryan Chang, Dhavinder Singh, Fikri Fadzil, Syamsul Azhar
Date & Time: 25 November – 27 November & 2 – 3 December 2022 from 8 pm – 11 pm
Location: Klang Riverside (NPE underpass)
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit Sans Collective’s Instagram.
4. Market
Klang River Festival 2022 also includes creative market from Buddies Go Bazaar
Buddies Go Bazaar
The purpose of BGM is to animate art and beauty, as well as to energise and empower the individuals wIt’s an opportunity to interact with skilled artisans in a variety of fields. It’s a chance to catch up with old pals and make some new ones. Experts in handiwork, fans of ecologically sustainable living, and people with a flair for creativity: this is THE marketplace for you to reconnect with your heritage.ho are in its vicinity.
Date & Time: 3 – 4 December 2022 from 10 am – 5 pm
Location: Kampung Hokkien , nearby SJK (C) Chong Wen
5. Performances
Klang River Festival 2022 also provides band performances from Flow Of Rhythm & KHAKKHAKKHAK.
Flow Of Rhythm
Klang River Festival 2022 presents Bayangan and Terrer, two bands respectively: Fikri Fadzil is a musician and vocalist from Malaysia. Bayangan, whose discography consists of the albums “Bersendirian Berhad” and “Kelana,” writes in the indie-folk / Neo-folk style, using sparse instrumentation and dream-like soundscapes as a backdrop for his introspective lyrics.
Terrer, a new band from Kuala Lumpur, was established this year. Azlan (Drums), Helmi (Percussion), Faiq (Guitar), Armaan (Guitar), and Faiq (Vocals) (Bass). Their debut album, Kaum Lelaki, is currently available after the success of their single “Hang Loklaq” in 2021.
Artist: Bayangan, Terrer
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 (Bayangan – 8.30 pm & Terrer – 9.30 pm)
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit Bayangan & Terrer‘s Instagram.
KHAKKHAKKHAK
Taking repetition and body movement to the extreme — When does one lose sight of their initial goals? What do we become without an end in sight?, is what KHAKKHAKKHAK all about.
Artist: Liew Chee Heai, Loke Xiaoyun, Sandee Chew, Tan Bee Hung & Tung Jit Yang
Date & Time: 26 November & 3 December 2022 from 8pm – 12am.
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
6. Dialogue
Klang River Festival 2022 also has dialogue or forum entitled Placemaking: Antara Hulu Dan Hilir, Talking City, Lensa Pada Pribumi, Finding Datuk Kong In Malaysia: The Origin And Function 拿督公到底是什么神?, + – × ÷ (Campus Tolak Kali Bahagi) Kita Dan Sungai & Draf Issue 03: Lucid Dream.
Placemaking: Antara Hulu Dan Hilir
Janet Pillai, an arts educator and cultural sustainability consultant, and Teoh Chee Keong, an architect and urban historian, will have a dialogue in which they each share their unique perspectives on the future of Old Klang Road. Everyone from the immediate neighbourhood to urban planners and historical enthusiasts to the entire public is welcome to join in.
Artist: Moderator: Bilqis Hijjas, Speaker: Janet Pillai, Speaker: Teoh Chee Keong
Date & Time: 25 November – 4 December 2022 from 11am – 1pm.
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
Talking City
In this discussion, three experts will discuss Kuala Lumpur from different angles, including the city’s past, present, and potential future.
Artist: Nazmi Anuar, Dr Nurul Azreen Azlan, Hazazi Hamzah
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 at 11am
Location: Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit OACC’s official website and Instagram.
Lensa Pada Pribumi
Photographers Jeffrey Lim and Jefree Salim will discuss their respective bodies of work in this conversation, comparing and contrasting their respective methods, visuals, and results in documenting indigenous peoples through the lens. Gerimis Art’s Wendi Sia served as moderator.
Artist: Jeffrey Lim & Jefree Salim
Date & Time: 26 November 2022 from 2pm – 3pm
Location: Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit OACC’s official website and Instagram.
Finding Datuk Kong In Malaysia: The Origin And Function 拿督公到底是什么神?
Many ethnic Chinese in Malaysia adhere to the practise of worshipping Datuk Kong. Many communities in Southeast Asia are said to reflect religious syncretism, which includes a wide variety of human-spirit relationships. This presentation examines the background and purpose of Datuk Kong worship in Malaysia, drawing on Chinese epigraphical materials and other primary sources.
Artist: Dr Tan Ai Boay
Date & Time: 3 December 2022 from 11am – 12.30pm in English & from 3pm – 4pm in Mandarin
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
+ – × ÷ (Campus Tolak Kali Bahagi) Kita Dan Sungai
The purpose of this discussion is to educate participants on the origins and roles played by the region’s major public utility providers in the development of the Klang River. There is a widespread misunderstanding of what these organisations do and why they exist. It’s important to note that the Klang River Basin encompasses not just the Klang River itself, but also the rivers that flow into it from the states of Perak, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan. In this session, participants will examine the history of the Klang River, discuss its current problems, and discuss their hopes for its future.
Artist: Speakers; Mr. Ahmad Fuad bin Noor, Tuan Ir TS Ahmad Shahrir bin Md Naziri & Moderator; Kennedy Michael
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 at 2pm
Location: Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit OACC’s official website and Instagram.
Draf Issue 03: Lucid Dream
During this book sharing session, ZhengHow and Ivy will discuss Draf Issue 03: Lucid Dream. This event is being held in collaboration with BooKu.
Draft #3 is an honest depiction of young worry from the perspectives of three primary people, told in a cinematic style. All unique individuals navigating the challenges of adulthood in the midst of the city’s constant activity and pace. Each character has their own set of challenges as they navigate urban life as an adult: finding affordable accommodation and reliable transit, yearning for romance, dreaming of independence, and coming crashing back to earth.
Artist: Tan ZhengHow & Ivy Siowel
Date & Time: 4 December 2022 at 11am
Location: GMBB, No. 2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit GMBB’s official website and Instagram.
7. Walks
Klang River Festival has self-guided walk tour for the walker named: Kerry Jalan X Klang River Festival & Datuk Gi Mana.
Kerry Jalan X Klang River Festival
From KongsiKL, we’ll head down Old Klang Road towards the river, stopping at several points to hear the history of the area. Since the first route to link Kuala Lumpur and Klang, it is ripe with history as it has spawned numerous settlements along its length. We’ll be keeping an eye out for impediments and gauging the overall walkability of the route as we go. It’s going to be a long walk across a few footbridges and through some of the area’s many lanes and shortcuts, so make sure you’re wearing shoes that can handle the terrain.
Date & Time: 26 November & 4 December 2022 at 9am
Location: Old Klang Road to Riverside (Meeting point at Kongsi KL)
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for 26 November RSVP and here for 4 December RSVP
For more information, WhatsApp at 011-1124 8934.
Datuk Gi Mana
The Klang River Festival’s Datuk Gi Mana is a self-guided walk along a snippet of Old Klang Road. The route begins in KongsiKL and terminates at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) Choong Wen. Each of the six stations along the way is a Datuk Kong shrine. From November 26th, 2022, through December 4th, 2022, anyone interested in taking part need only visit KongsiKL between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p. Just a phone that can connect to wifi and a sense of adventure will do.
Date & Time: 26 November – 4 December 2022 from 11am – 6pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
8. Workshops
Klang River Festival 2022 provides workshops for the creatives like What’s Inside The River, River + Dance, The Way I See It & A River Of Words & Pictures: A Mini Zine Workshop.
What’s Inside The River
It’s true that the Klang River is rich with history for adults, but what about young people? How do people feel about the river and the duty we have to protect it? Workshop participants in “What’s Inside the River?” share their thoughts on what they’ve learned about the river’s ecosystem through a series of interactive exercises. Children can use their imagination and creativity in this workshop to highlight the river’s natural beauty, whether it be the river’s aquatic life, its scenic pollutants, or the human activities along its banks.
There will be a public exhibition of their creations next to the previously shown classic models of KL Cardboard City. Cikgu Huda, along with Kiddoz facilitators Sam and Jill, will lead participants artistically through the process of creating something from used cardboard.
Artist: Cikgu Huda
Date & Time: 3 – 4 December 2022 from 10am – 12pm
Location: Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit OACC’s official website and Instagram.
River + Dance
Anybody curious about improvised dance or looking to branch out into new forms is welcome to attend this session. The instructor will introduce the River concept, demonstrate some moves, and then lead the workshop participants in performing those movements. This workshop will consist of two segments: the first will be a 2-hour instructional and mentoring session, and the second will be a 1-hour mini-showcase.
Artist: Rithaudin Abdul Kadir
Date & Time: 26 November 2022 from 3pm – 5pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
The Way I See It
In this session, we’ll observe the significance of documentaries as a medium for artistic self-expression and discuss their role in maintaining social cohesion. To better understand the questions we should be asking as we record our own lives and the lives of our neighbours, we’ll talk about and watch examples of innovative films that successfully probe contemporary issues like identity and the meaning of place. We’ll also be focusing on how to take meaningful photographs of our everyday lives, both at home and in the wider world. Short films reflecting the Klang River’s personal meaning will be created in a workshop following this session and screened as part of the festival’s closing ceremonies.
Artist: Rahmah Pauzi & Kiddos Place
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 : Master Class – 10am & Workshop – 2pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
A River Of Words & Pictures: A Mini Zine Workshop
During this class, zine fans old and new will work together to create a small zine on a single sheet of paper (A4 or A3) inspired by rivers (both real and figurative) as a theme, subject, and prompt.
Participants will produce their own unique zines (for some, maybe the first of many) as they delve into the world of creative ideas, including inspiration and goals, creative impulses, dreams, and all in between.
This is a free workshop, but participants are encouraged to bring the following
- blank A4 and/or A3 paper (three or four sheets);
- scissors;
- blade;
- glue;
- coloured pens and pencils, crayons etc;
- old magazines and newspapers;
- scrapbooking materials.
The facilitator will also provide some of the above materials.
Artist: Daphne Lee
Date & Time: 4 December 2022 at 1.30 pm
Location: KongsiKL, Taman Goodwood, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free entry by registration, click here for RSVP
For more information, visit KongsiKL’s official website and Instagram.
9. Film Screenings
Last but not least, Klang River Festival 2022 also has film screenings such as Welcome To Kampung Radioaktif, The Mengkarang Project I: A Day Without Sun In Mengkarang, The Tin Star, Beggars & Imprisoned.
Welcome To Kampung Radioaktif
Rare earth meets rare talent as director Liew Seng Tat unleashes his fertile imagination on the Lynas controversy and fantasizes about a post-apocalyptic Malaysian village. After the radioactive dust has settled, we find that the village’s leaders and entrepreneurs have all gone to a better place (and we don’t mean heaven). Left behind are the innocent victims who couldn’t afford to flee their ancestral homes, their lives turned upside down — for some, quite literally. Liew Seng Tat’s vision is unique and funny and guaranteed to crack you up. Yet, in the aftermath of the laughs, there lingers a poignant aftertaste. Is it thorium? Maybe, maybe not. But don’t worry, they tell us it’s not dangerous.
Artist: Liew Seng Tat
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 & 3 December 2022 at 3 pm
Location(s):
- (27 November 2022) Taman Desa Screening Club (TSDC), 3-2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- (3 December 2022) Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit TDSC’s official website and Instagram & OACC’s official official website and Instagram.
The Mengkarang Project I: A Day Without Sun In Mengkarang
It’s important to note that the location of Mengkerang is entirely made up for the purposes of this artwork. In the opening chapter, “A Day Without Sun in Mengkerang,” readers of all backgrounds are encouraged to take part in a “game” in which they describe Mengkerang as they imagine it. The game’s only requirements are that the action take place in Mengkerang and that at least two of the three characters found in most Malaysian elementary school textbooks be used.
Artist: Au Sow Yee
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 & 3 December 2022 at 3 pm
Location(s):
- (27 November 2022) Taman Desa Screening Club (TSDC), 3-2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- (3 December 2022) Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit TDSC’s official website and Instagram & OACC’s official official website and Instagram.
The Tin Star
There was formerly a thriving tin mining sector in Malaysia, but it was destroyed by the Tin Crash of 1985. Mr. Yip was part of the final generation to work in the tin mining sector, and like many of his peers, he saw his livelihood and way of life collapse.
Artist: Aaron Wong Kang Yong
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 & 3 December 2022 at 3 pm
Location(s):
- (27 November 2022) Taman Desa Screening Club (TSDC), 3-2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- (3 December 2022) Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit TDSC’s official website and Instagram & OACC’s official official website and Instagram.
Beggars
The police, regular citizens, and beggars in Malaysia all weigh in on the issue of street persons soliciting money. Investigating the origins of homelessness and begging in an effort to educate the public about the problems and possible solutions.
Artist: Daren She Juei Yeong
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 & 3 December 2022 at 3 pm
Location(s):
- (27 November 2022) Taman Desa Screening Club (TSDC), 3-2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- (3 December 2022) Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit TDSC’s official website and Instagram & OACC’s official official website and Instagram.
Imprisoned
Two former inmates talk about their time behind bars and the challenges they faced upon their release in this short documentary. After enduring mental and physical torment behind bars, ex-offenders must contend with society’s preconceived notions about them and do all they can to earn a second chance.
Artist: Adrian Chan
Date & Time: 27 November 2022 & 3 December 2022 at 3 pm
Location(s):
- (27 November 2022) Taman Desa Screening Club (TSDC), 3-2, Jalan 4/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
- (3 December 2022) Oriental Art & Cultural Center (OACC), 10 & 12, 3rd Floor, Jalan 1/137C, Batu, 5, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance fee: Free (walk in)
For more information, visit TDSC’s official website and Instagram & OACC’s official official website and Instagram.
Purposes Of Klang River Festival 2022
President of KongsiKL and artistic director of the Klang River Festival, Joseph Foo, explains that the river has played a significant role in the lives of many Malaysians for millennia, and further clarified:
We have been blessed by the resources in and around the river for generations, however many city folk have turned their backs to the river for development. It is time now for us to reconnect with the river. We hope that this festival will inspire and educate through the arts, to bring awareness of the river’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of recreating a sustainable ecosystem by the river for our future generations
Joseph Foo, President of KongsiKL and artistic director of the Klang River Festival
For the festival programme and more information, click here.
