Local actress Lee Sinje gives audiences a peek into her life as a working mother in her new docuseries. Photos: Handout
Award-winning Malaysian actress Lee Sinje hopes to change the way children's education is perceived today through her new docuseries, Dear Child, How Are You?.
Presented by Little Yellow Flower Foundation and produced by Lee, the show sheds light on the varying teaching methods and philosophies in today’s education as well as the role parents and educators play in educating and nurturing the next generation.
It also explores family relationships, parenting styles and the love between parents, educators and children.
In a press release, Lee said the idea for this documentary came about during the pandemic when many children were unable to attend school, prompting her to reflect on the alternative learning methods available to children.
The actress with her twin sons in her hometown in Alor Setar.
The first episode, The Journey Of Sinje, takes the audience back to Lee's hometown in Alor Setar, Kedah, where she grew up. It documents her childhood and her life as a working mother trying to find a balance between career and family.
In this episode, the 47-year-old reflects on her journey from taking care of her step-daughter when the actress was in her 20s to being pregnant and giving birth to twin sons at 40. She also shares about the people and things that have inspired her along the way.
The second episode, Hilltop House, sees Lee in her directorial debut as she explores the application of the Waldorf education system in Hilltop House, a kindergarten in Kuala Lumpur.
The Waldorf system is a holistic educational style, introduced by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, intended to develop students’ intellectual, artistic and practical skills – with a heavy focus on imagination and creativity.
A photo of Audrey Chow, the principal of Hilltop House, together with her students.
As a first-time director, Lee admitted that she faced many challenges as the filming period for documentaries were much longer than movies.
She also said that she was initially hesitant to share her life story in the docuseries as prefers keeping a low profile. But with the encouragement of her husband Oxide Pang and her production crew, she was able to overcome the odds.
“I have never thought about directing or shooting a documentary (as I am) not good at it. It all (comes down to) my love for children.
“I hope that through this documentary, everyone can once again feel the power of truth, kindness, and beauty,” the actress said.
The third episode, titled We Rode An Ostrich, sheds light on the benefits of homeschooling through the experiences of two families from different backgrounds. It also showcases the important role parents play in their child's personal growth.
A photo of the children of Hilltop House playing in a rice field in Melaka.
Lee entered showbiz as a singer in 1996 with her album, Under The Same Starry Sky. She gained prominence in the film industry in 2002 after starring in the hit horror movie, The Eye – which won her a Golden Horse Award for Best Actress.
The artiste also served as a goodwill ambassador for the first and second Malaysian Film Festivals in 2016 and 2017.
Dear Child, How Are You? was released on April 13. This month will see the docuseries travel to other states:
May 14: The Starling Mall, Selangor and Ipoh Parade
May 20: Penang, Alor Setar, Batu Pahat and Kluang
May 21: Penang and Ipoh Parade
May 27: Melaka
May 28: Kluang
May 30: Kuala Lumpur
To purchase tickets, contact 016-2177 729 or 017-384 4123. For more information, visit Little Yellow Flower Foundation’s Facebook page.
