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Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo and is home to more than 40 unique sub-ethnic groups, or Dayaks. These include traditional forest communities such as the Penan, Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah and Kelabit. The Bidayuh of Bengoh are one of a number of communities facing eviction to make way for the controversial Bengoh Dam.

The Bengoh Dam is a water reservoir being constructed to supply water to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. Construction has begun despite reports that vast reserves of water could be saved if the failing infrastructure in the city was repaired, upgraded and maintained. There are also concerns about protected flora and fauna in the area, which were overlooked by the Environmental Impact Assessment for the dam.

Dams are big business in Sarawak. No less than 12 are proposed for construction in the state - which is described as Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Corridor. Construction of the infamous Bakun Dam has already seen the relocation of more than 10,000 indigenous people.

It is alleged that the construction of these dams will increase the wealth and power of Sarawak’s Chief Minister’s family and their operatives. In doing so, these internationally condemned projects will see the relocation of the last of Sarawak’s forest communities and the inundation of precious primary forest and native habit.

The Sarawak Gone series explores the affected communities, the controversial environment impact assessment drawn up prior to the construction of the Bengoh Dam, and how such developments have affected other indigenous communities.

The series was made with Sony HandyCams - both miniDV and DV8 - pocket sized digital cameras, a FlipCam and even a webcam. The total budget was around AUD$5000 and many hours of in-kind help from friends and colleagues.

Produced and directed by Andrew Garton in collaboration with SACCESS and the Bidayuh of Bengoh, with the support of the Bruno Manser Fonds and Association for Progressive Communications.

Sarawak Gone was completed during a two-year artist's residency at Clifton Pugh's Dunmoochin, Victoria, Australia.