Using Malaysian Independent Film Gadoh as a Pedagogical Tool to Shift Ethnic Boundaries

This paper investigates the use of a Malaysian independent film as a pedagogical tool to facilitate the shifting of ethnic boundaries among selected Malaysian university students. The concept of ethnic boundaries by Mansor (2012) has been applied to evaluate the shifting ethnic boundaries. There are two research objectives for this study which are, firstly, to explore the perceptions of the students on the use of Malaysian Independent film, Gadoh as a pedagogical tool to discuss sensitive issues relating to interethnic relations in Malaysia and secondly, to evaluate the changes in the shifting of their ethnic boundaries based on their perceptions of the film. Five participants have been purposively selected from different ethnic backgrounds and fields of studies to participate in a focus group discussion. The findings suggests that Gadoh is perceived as a potential pedagogical tool for experiential learning, critical awareness on the issues of ethnic relations and lastly, as a platform to explore conflict and reconciliation suggestions provided by the film. Participants were able to thin and dissolve their ethnic boundaries due to being exposed to different standpoints beyond one’s ethnic boundaries.