Write an article about 20 years on, Priscilla’s tsunami story screens at MIFFest .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Malaysian radio icon Priscilla Patrick survived the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka. (Feisk Productions pic)
PETALING JAYA: A powerful documentary is set to make its world premiere in the new “Manifesto” section of this year’s Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest)
“The Tides Will Decide”, directed by first-time documentarian Azim Rizal, tells the raw and emotional story of Malaysian radio icon Priscilla Patrick, who survived the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka.
Speaking to FMT Lifestyle, Azim, who has directed commercials, short films, and a television series before, shared how this opportunity came to be.
“I never really saw myself making a documentary,” he admitted. “I was always more drawn to fiction. But I knew that if I ever ventured into documentaries, it had to be for Priscilla’s story. When she called me and said she was finally ready to share it with the world, I knew it was time.”
Their paths first crossed in 2018 at local radio station Rakita, where Priscilla was heading the traffic and news department, and training Azim as a news announcer.
Azim added that it was Priscilla’s genuine curiosity about the world, and the people in it, that led her to travel to all seven continents.
Director Azim Rizal met Priscilla in 2018 when he joined as a news announcer at local radio station Rakita. (Feisk Productions pic)
“Hearing her story for the first time was overwhelming,” Azim recalled. “I remember seeing the tsunami unfold in the news back in 2004, but hearing it directly from a survivor made it feel far more real and horrifying.”
Through interviews, reenactments, and the voices of those closest to her, the film distinguishes itself by focusing not only on the devastation she witnessed, but also on the moments of humanity she observed amidst the chaos.
“It’s a deeply personal, spiritual exploration of how she has continued to live with the trauma,” Azim said of Priscilla. “We peel back the layers beyond her public radio persona to reveal the often-unspoken struggles she still carries.”
Tsunami survivor Priscilla tells her story in the milestone documentary ‘The Tides Will Decide’. (Feisk Productions pic)
The documentary, produced by Iskander and Feisal Azizuddin of Feisk Productions, was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised RM35,000 from over 90 local and international supporters.
Azim said the film wasn’t just his, but belonged to the entire team. Cinematographer Alex Wong Kam Thim had a clear vision, and the set designs by Putri Qistina Ishak helped bring that vision to life.
“Without a budget for an underwater studio, we improvised, filming in the ocean or rigging up a pool ourselves,” revealed Azim. “When someone needed to step into the water, I didn’t hesitate. Even our producer, Feisal, ended up shooting a few scenes in the water.”
The emotional weight of the story also brought about some challenges, particularly around the reenactment scenes. “Initially, I offered to use a body double. But I could tell she felt a need to relive those moments herself. So I trusted her instincts,” he said of Priscilla.
Collaborators like editor Lourdes Gason also stepped in to ensure Azim wasn’t too close to the story, keeping the narrative focused and balanced.
‘The Tides Will Decide’ was made possible through a crowdfunding campaign that raised RM35,000. (Feisk Productions pic)
Beyond Priscilla’s voice, the film incorporates perspectives from her family and close friends. “Her family was in Malaysia at the time, unaware of her fate. Their voices helped deepen the emotional texture of the film,” Azim explained.
The film’s title, “The Tides Will Decide” has a poignant meaning. “It reflects the idea that some parts of life are beyond our control. We can only do our best and then surrender, to the tides, to fate, to something greater,” said Azim. “It’s about acceptance, spiritual resilience, and the ongoing search for meaning.”
Azim said it was incredibly special for the documentary to have its world premiere at MIFFest. “I’ve attended MIFFest in the past and have always admired how it champions new voices. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
‘The Tides Will Decide’ is a documentary about Priscilla Patrick’s harrowing experience during the 2004 tsunami. (Feisk Productions pic)
The documentary also marks the feature debut of several young talents, alongside industry veterans. “I hope this film allows Priscilla’s story to travel far and wide, just as she has throughout her life,” he said.
“She has a remarkable way of connecting with people, and this film is a chance for the world to feel that,” he added.
As for Azim, he hopes this marks the beginning of a longer journey in documentary filmmaking. “There are so many powerful stories waiting to be told, and I’d love to keep exploring them with the same heart and honesty.”
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