The Inspiration Behind Hikayat Fandom: An Interview with Ninot Aziz

In an era where cultural heritage risks being overshadowed by modern narratives, Ninot Aziz stands as a beacon for the preservation and promotion of Malay legends and stories. As the co-founder of Hikayat Fandom and an award-winning author, Ninot has dedicated her life to reviving the tales of ancient Malay kingdoms, ensuring that they continue to inspire generations of storytellers, creators, and thinkers.

During our recent interview, Ninot opened up about her journey, the birth of Hikayat Fandom, and her mission to engage a broader audience with the rich and often overlooked history of the Malay Archipelago. With the upcoming launch of the Ensiklopedia Berilustrasi Tamadun Alam Melayu, a highly anticipated illustrated encyclopedia on Malay civilization, Ninot and her team hope to spark a creative and cultural renaissance, not just in Malaysia but across the ASEAN region.

The Birth of Hikayat Fandom

Founded in 2021 by Ninot Aziz and Rudy Daud, Hikayat Fandom was born from a shared vision to promote Malay-themed books, legends, and historical stories on various platforms. “We wanted to create a space where people could engage with these timeless stories in a meaningful way,” Ninot explained. The platform aims to encourage public involvement in the preservation of the Malay Hikayat, a body of literature filled with epics, folklore, and legends that reflect the wisdom, values, and history of the Malay world.

Ninot shared that her inspiration for the project stemmed from a deep-rooted desire to celebrate the stories that shaped the Malay civilization. “The Malay Archipelago has 2,000 years of history, filled with heroic figures, legendary rulers, and rich cultural traditions. These stories deserve to be retold, reimagined, and shared with the world.”

The Ensiklopedia Berilustrasi Tamadun Alam Melayu

One of the most exciting projects under the Hikayat Fandom banner is the Ensiklopedia Berilustrasi Tamadun Alam Melayu, set for release in November 2024. This illustrated encyclopedia is a monumental effort to document the history, culture, and heritage of the Malay world, and will be available in both Malay and English.

Ninot described the creation of the encyclopedia as an extensive, collaborative process involving historians, academics, and cultural figures. Contributors include renowned names like Prof Muhammad Haji Salleh, Cik Srikandi, and Dr. Imam Qalyubi from Indonesia, all of whom bring unique perspectives to the work. “We wanted to ensure that this encyclopedia is not just a collection of facts but a source of inspiration for creators, whether they are filmmakers, writers, or artists,” said Ninot.

From Legends to Modern Creativity

A key highlight of Hikayat Fandom’s initiative is the Mini Merdeka to Malaysia Day Exhibition, featuring the Malay World Poster Series designed by the talented artist Walid Muhammad. These posters take iconic figures from Malay history, such as Laksamana Keumalahayati and Panglima Awang, and reimagine them in ways that inspire modern creative works. “The Malay world is filled with legendary heroes and rulers who can rival any global myth or legend,” Ninot remarked. “These posters are a way to bridge the gap between history and modern storytelling.”

Ninot is particularly excited about the international success of Walinong Sari, an animated film featured at the exhibition. Having won over 20 international awards, the film showcases the kind of global appeal that Malay legends can have when presented through innovative and modern mediums. “Walinong Sari has shown us that our stories can transcend borders,” she said. “It’s an example of how we can use creative storytelling to keep these legends alive.”

Cultivating a New Generation of Storytellers

Through Hikayat Fandom, Ninot aims to inspire a new generation of storytellers to take up the mantle of preserving and promoting Malay legends. “Our goal is not just to document these stories but to provide the tools for future filmmakers, writers, and artists to reinterpret them in ways that speak to today’s audience,” she explained.

The exhibition, running from Merdeka Day to Malaysia Day, offers a glimpse into how Malay legends can be woven into contemporary storytelling. With the support of ASEAN cultural exchange, Ninot hopes that more creative works inspired by Malay heritage will emerge across the region.

The Road Ahead for Hikayat Fandom

Looking forward, Ninot shared her vision for Hikayat Fandom as a hub for cultural exchange and creative inspiration. “We want to make sure that these stories are accessible not only in Malaysia but across the world.” The translation of her Hikayat series into Italian and German is a testament to her commitment to reaching a global audience.

Additionally, she expressed her hopes for the future of Hikayat Fandom, emphasising the need for continued collaboration with historians, filmmakers, and educators. “Our mission is to preserve these stories, but it’s also about inspiring people to take them in new directions,” she concluded.

As we ended the interview, it became clear that Ninot Aziz’s work with Hikayat Fandom is more than just a passion project, it is a cultural movement. By reconnecting with the legends of the past, she is laying the foundation for a creative future rooted in the rich heritage of the Malay world.