Film Synopsis

Mentimun captures the life and challenges of the Mah Meri people, one of the smallest indigenous tribes in Malaysia. Although they have managed to retain a somewhat traditional lifestyle, life remains a struggle as modernity has encroached into their lives. The film also highlights the Islamization of these indigenous people, who are Animists, by Malaysia's religious department and their questionable actions in the name of "spreading Islam."  In the words of the community leader, when asked why he did not object to the unauthorized construction of a mosque in his village, he said, "We Orang Asli are like cucumbers, and the powers that be are like the durian fruit, no matter what we say, we have no power against them."  Hence, the film's title "Mentimun" - to be cucumbered.