Absent without Leave

Synopsis

A portrait hangs in an old wooden house in Perak, Malaysia. It belonged to a man who fought for the country’s independence. For over 30 years, his identity remained a secret to his family, who avoided discussing him. The man is revealed to be the filmmaker's grandfather, who died in the struggle for decolonization. The film investigates his life and the stories of other forgotten fighters, bringing their contributions to light after decades of silence.