Wednesday, 2 March 2011
France/Belgium/Cambodia, 2008 (115 min)
French, Khmer with English subtitles

Director: Rithy Panh
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Gaspart Ulliel, Astrid Bergés-Frisbey, Randal Douc, Duong Vathon
Cinematographer: Pierre Milon
Music: Marc Marder

Rithy Panh adapts the 1950 novel by Marguerite Duras—a classic work of French literature—to make a compelling, sumptuous, yet politically astute film about his native country. The legendary Isabelle Huppert stars as the widowed matriarch of a small land-owning family in 1930s French Indochina (now Cambodia), who eke out a living from rice fields located perilously close to the ocean. Deceived by the colonial administration, she has invested all of her savings in worthless, regularly flooded farmland. Driven to fight against both nature and the corrupt bureaucrats who conned her and threaten expropriation, and refusing to accept the triumphant injustice of the system, she devises an imaginative scheme to build a dam against the sea with the help of the villagers. -Twitch

IMDB | Flixster | Guardian Review (UK) | Download Poster

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Internship experience at the National University of Singapore Central Library

Friday, March 4th, 12:00 pm, Tokioka Room (Moore 319)
Presented by Erenst Anip, Masters Student in the Department of Library Information Services (LIS)

In July 2010, Erenst went to Southeast Asia to be the LIS program’s first intern at the National University of Singapore Central Library where he was introduced to the inner workings of a premier university library in Asia. There, he learned about a different library system and organization. In this second talk story session, he will share his experience in ‘finding a missing librarian’ and being a ‘junior operative’, the library’s outreach and social media initiatives, KPIs and PMS, and Singapore’s favorite past time of ‘makan’. Update from the first talk includes internship experience and relevancy with our own library system.

Mr. Erenst Anip is a 2nd year LIS student from Indonesia. As a future academic librarian, he focuses on digital technologies and social media features to enhance the library’s appeal to the users while keeping abreast of (Southeast) Asia area studies. He is also the project manager of Hawaii’s Digital Newspaper Project, part of Library of Congress’ National Digital Newspaper Project (NDNP).

Wyne Su Khaing Thein, born 24 December 1986, is a Burmese actress and singer. She began her modelling career after finishing high school from Dagon 1 in 2003. She attended Talents and Models and the got public recognition featuring in Saung Oo Hlaing’s hit, Kaung Ma Lay Ta Yaut A Kyaung (About A Girl). After that, she made a steady climb, both as an actress and singer, starring in over 100 videos and three movies. In July 2009, she released her first solo album, titled “Met Laut Sa Yar” and sold over 5000 copies within the first month. The album featured R Zarni, L Lun War, He Lay and Sandy Myint Lwin and included 14 songs. -taken from Wikipedia

Official Website | Facebook Fan Page | San Francisco Performance Article | Golden Sexy Girl Article

Department of Social Anthropology
University of Cambridge
Evans Fellowships
Deadline: 1 March 2011

The Advisory Committee for the Evans Fund give notice that they intend to proceed to an election of an Evans Fellow or Fellows early in the Easter Term 2011.

A graduate of any university is eligible to apply for a Fellowship, provided that he or she intends to engage in research in anthropology and archaeology (broadly defined as ethnological, ethnographic or archaeological research) in relation to South East Asia. Preference will be given to applicants who intend to engage in research in relation to Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and Thailand. The research shall contribute to the furtherance of the study of anthropology and archaeology in Cambridge. It is expected that the successful candidate(s) will either be based in Cambridge, or will spend a substantial period of time during or after their period of research in Cambridge.

The tenure of a Fellowship shall be for one or two years in the first instance as the Advisory Committee shall determine; candidates applying for election for an initial period of two years will be expected to be of postdoctoral status. A Fellow shall be eligible for re-election for a year at a time subject to a maximum tenure, save in exceptional circumstances, of three years in all; re-election shall be dependent on the receipt by the Advisory Committee by a specified date of a satisfactory report on the Fellow’s diligence and progress in research during his or her tenure.

The stipend of a Fellow will be determined by the Advisory Committee at the time of the election and will not exceed £6,000 a year.

The Advisory Committee may also be able to award a number of grants towards the cost of research in areas covered by the remit of the Fund, as outlined above.

Applications, together with an outline of the applicant’s proposed scheme of travel and research, a curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of two referees, must be sent to the Secretary, Evans Fund Advisory Committee, Department of Social Anthropology, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RF, so as to reach her not later than 1 March, 2011.

Application forms and information on the Fund can be obtained via the Administrator to the Fund: Miranda Stock, Department of Social Anthropology, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RF; email: sms50@cam.ac.uk, or the Secretary to the Fund, from whom further information is also available.

The Advisory Committee reserves the right not to make an election.

Telephone: 01223 334599
Fax: 01223 335993
Email: sms50@cam.ac.uk

Muslim Societies in Asia and the Pacific
Location: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Starting date: ASAP
Hours: 20hrs/week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm, flexible days/hours
Pay Rate: $17.20/hr
Application: Please email a cover letter and CV (with URLs of past web work) to Paul Rausch, rausch@hawaii.edu
New EXTENDED Deadline: 28 February 2011

* Initiate, develop and coordinate overall activities for the Muslim Societies in Asia and the Pacific website.
* Assist with the creation, editing, and web postings of the program’s weekly email newsletter (primary tool of program awareness-building).
* Produce program’s annual report. Add content and archive materials on the program Facebook page and monitor content for Twitter feed. Many aspects of the job involve a constant monitoring and archiving of potential resources and producing news and curriculum items.
* Assist with the development and coordination of overall activities for the Muslim Societies in Asia and the Pacific Program (MSAP) across departments on campus.
* Assist in the development of affiliations with other educational, professional, and community organizations with a shared interest in Muslim Asia and the Pacific.
* Assist with the day-to-day management of program activities and information including scheduling and attending meetings, and assisting with grant writing.
* Work closely with the staff/coordinators of the Center for East Asian Studies, the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, Center for Philippine Studies, Center for South Asian Studies, and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies to create materials for programs on Islam in Asia/Pacific.

* Graduate student in any discipline.
* Website development and design skills using Word Press; accomplished Mac user for a Mac equipped office; experienced in the use of Apple publication software; possess a keen sense of and passion for good design. Experience with word processing, database development, spreadsheets, and Powerpoint/Keynote.
* Good English writing skills, ability to organize, attention to detail, and ability to work in a team, but with minimum supervision. Possess good public speaking skills.
* Familiar with the Muslim world and sensitive to Muslim cultural concerns. Background in Asian/Pacific studies or a humanities/language related discipline with a primary focus on an Asia/Pacific region including, but not limited to religion/anthropology/sociology/social work/political science/theater/music; possess language skills used in Muslim Asia/Pacific and/or Arabic.
* Knowledge of Constant Contact email marketing and survey tool software.
* Skilled in recording and editing sound files for podcasting, skilled in shooting and editing film for web streaming, knowledgeable in the use of social networking tools (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).

Students with Social Security numbers go to UH Student Employment Office (SECE) for application details – job #96106. If you are selected for this position, you must apply for a Social Security number if you do not have one.

Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Indonesia, 2008 (104 min)
Indonesian with English subtitles

Director: Garin Nugroho
Screenplay: Aramantono, Garin Nugroho
Cast: Ikranagara, Ayu Laksmi, Nadia Saphira, Dwi Sasono, Marcella Zalianty, Aryani Kriegenburg Willems

Indonesian film auteur Garin Nugroho follows on up his international phenomenon OPERA JAWA with this three-part narrative about women undergoing life-changing experiences in Bali. The drama of the three women, a traveler (Marcella Zalianty) seeking spiritual answers about her relationship with her mother, a radio broadcaster (Ayu Laksmi) who faces a dilemma related to abortion, and an orphan (Nadia Saphira) who seeks guidance for her uncertain life are all connected to the theme of motherhood and the interaction of certain mystical elements of Balinese culture. The film features many leading Balinese artists, including 90-year-old Ni Ketut Cenik, 70-year-old Ni Ketut Arini, and dancers Ayu Bulantrisna Djelantik and I Ketut Rina. UNDER THE TREE has been screened at film fests in Toronto, Vancouver, London, and Tokyo. -Jakarta Post

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A Philippine-based band proudly waving the banner of hometown Cebu, Urbandub is growing to be a titan, a superpower of the Pinoy independent rock movement. Local or International, they’re jet-set to stir up waves, raising the level for today’s modern angst. Listen up and try their songs for size. Their craft could only get better.

Urbandub is Gabby Alipe (Vocalist / Guitarist), Lalay Lim (Bassist), John Mendoza (Drummer) and John Dinopol (Lead Guitarist). Urbandub’s career thus far has given much inspiration and support to upcoming acts, most of which fall under the Lighter Records stable such as Faspitch, The Ambassadors, Still, Nuncyspungen (Cagayan) and Point Click Kill (Ilo Ilo). Each of them now aspire to take their own roads in music, paving their own way and modeling some of their steps after the success of Urbandub.

From the very first day that this band was formed (in the year 2000), they were destined to be something more than the ordinary. Forced to be independent due to the lack of support coming from major record companies, Urbandub released their debut album called BIRTH. Off of this album, the hit tracks “Come”, “Give” and “Would You Go” launched and took their world by storm. Unique, timely and yet experimental, it was something that entertainment scenes around the Philippines needed: a kick-start into the future of original music.

With the release of their sophomore effort, INFLUENCE (Lighter Records), Urbandub took on a new form, changing their sound with a new drummer (From Jed Honrado to Jerros Dolino). It was the sound in this album that clearly defined the steps that Urbandub would start to take. The track “Soul Searching” later won the award as Best Song of the Year in the NU107 Rock Awards 2003. Pushing the sound further, the collection bagged the Album Of The Year Award in the NU107 Rock Awards 2004.

Urbandub released their album EMBRACE in 2005, and with it, it proved that there is hope for struggling artists. With help from their community and the noise they created, they were able to grab the attention of EMI Music Philippines. Since then the band has kept Lighter Records as their management arm and guide. In line with their ideals, EMI allowed the members the creative freedom to record their album on their home soil of Cebu. They have also been able to maintain their independent principles while taking major steps into the scene that has awaited their new sound.

After more than 10,000 albums sold, thousands of miles traveled around the country and some dizzying highs and lows, an energized Urbandub returned with UNDER SOUTHERN LIGHTS in 2007. This latest album boasts 10 tracks of Urbandub’s new approach to their own brand—their brilliance shines throughout a melodious rock tune and diverse songwriting. -taken from Last.fm (official video)

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Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance
Asian Art Museum
San Francisco, CA USA
25 February – 11 September 2011

Bali has long held a special place in the Western imagination, not only for its reputation as a tropical paradise, but for its artistic culture. Here, art, performance, and ritual are a part of the everyday.

While Bali is widely appreciated as a vibrant center of visual and performing arts, there has never been an in-depth exploration of its artistic traditions in the United States until now. Bali: Art, Ritual, Performance brings the art and artists of this special Indonesian island to San Francisco so that you can experience firsthand its culture, beliefs, and practices. See not only artworks but explore the context in which they were made and used, as the museum comes alive with the kinds of music and performance that fill Balinese ritual life.

The 131 artworks on view—many borrowed from international collections and never before seen in the U.S.—range from simple, yet deftly woven images of the rice goddess to elaborately carved and gilded chairs. There will be puppetry, gamelan performances, masked dances, and more to provide a museum experience as unique and mesmerizing as Bali itself. The Asian Art Museum is the exclusive venue for this exhibition.

Official Site

International Institute for Asian Studies—Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (IIAS-ISEAS) Postdoctoral Fellowships
Deadline: 15 May 2011

These fellowships are part of collaboration between IIAS and the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre at ISEAS, Singapore. The positions are intended for outstanding recent doctoral graduates (within 6 years of receiving Ph.D. degree) from around the world, to work on an important piece of research in the social sciences or humanities. The proposed project should relate to the ways in which Asian polities and societies have interacted over time through religious, cultural, and economic exchanges and diasporic networks. The theme for the 2011-2012 year is intra-Asian interactions during the colonial period (16th – 20th centuries). Approaches that focus on interactions between disciplines, social practices, and regions are encouraged.

* The fellowship will be tenable for a maximum period of 12 months, with a maximum of 6 months attached to the IIAS office in Leiden and a maximum of 6 months at the ISEAS office in Singapore.
* Fieldwork can be done in Europe and Asia.
* An all-inclusive and fixed monthly allowance (S$6,000 in Singapore and €2,000 in the Netherlands) will be provided.
* Support for research (office facilities, library access, networks, etc.) will be provided.
* Applicants must have fulfilled all requirements of the PhD. If you are a PhD candidate at the point of application, you may also apply provided that you are confirmed for graduation between April and September 2011. A letter from your university will be required to confirm your graduation before your proposed start date.
* The fellow is expected to complete a research paper on the proposed topic and give public lectures at Leiden and Singapore. In addition, the fellow may be required to help IIAS and ISEAS to organize a conference on the proposed topic.
* Proposals should clearly explain how research/fieldwork in Asia would benefit the overall project.

* Interested applicants are invited to email/post their applications, consisting of:
* Application form (please click here to download the application form)
* Curriculum Vitae;
* Ensure that a minimum of two letters of reference are sent to us in confidence via email or post, commenting on the applicant’s academic abilities and the value of the applicant’s research project by 1 May 2011.

Note for applications via email:
* You will receive a reply acknowledging receipt of your email/application.
* If you have already sent in your application via email, kindly do not send the same application via post and vice versa.
* Please keep your email and attachments below 10MB by zipping any large files, as emails larger than 10MB will be rejected by our email system.
* Candidates will be informed about the selection within 8 weeks after closing date of the advertisement.

Address for submission of applications, reference letters and/or queries:
Email: iias-fellowships@iias.nl

or

IIAS-ISEAS Fellowship Programme
c/o Ms Sandra van der Horst
International Institute for Asian Studies
Rapenburg 59
2311 GJ Leiden
The Netherlands

View post here.

Burma University Foundation School
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Start date: 1 May 2011
Deadline: 31 March 2011

* Oversee development, selection and direction of curriculum for all subjects.
* Coordinate student intake and selection including promotion of programs and working with community- based partner organizations.
* Development of the academic calendar and timetables.
* Teach a limited number of hours within the regular school timetable.
* Recruitment and supervision of academic, administrative and service learning staff.
* Budgeting and oversight of financial management.
* Oversee the on-going development and implementation of BUFS policies, procedures and systems.
* Production of regular reports for the school’s Directors

* Minimum two years relevant work experience managing an academic program, including supervision of teaching and administrative staff.
* Experience teaching English as a foreign language to young adults and adults at a pre-intermediate level or above. Experience teaching TOEFL and social studies an advantage.
* Experience developing and adapting English language curricula and materials
* Excellent interpersonal, organization and communication skills.
* Capacity to work in a high-pressured environment and ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
* Experience living and working in a developing country.
* Experience working in multi-cultural environments.
* A demonstrated interest in Burma.

To apply please send a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and CV to busfrecruitment@gmail.com by the 31st of March 2011.
View job posting here