Hi, I'm Kalash Nanda Kumar, a critic and journalist from Malaysia. I graduated with a degree in filmmaking and worked on several major productions before pivoting into journalism.

Through my work as a critic, I've had the pleasure of travelling to many different festivals around the world. I've also participated in various regional and international film festivals, serving either as a juror, programmer, or facilitator. Ask me anything cinema and filmmaking!

As a journalist, I've covered a wide range of socioeconomic issues with bylines in various national outlets, including R.AGE, The Vibes, Malaysiakini, and FirstClasse, among others. I also served as the project and communications director for Imagined Malaysia, a non-profit dedicated to advancing public histories and policies.

I'm passionate about using storytelling to shed light on underrepresented voices and issues. Whether through film or journalism, I strive to create work that sparks conversation and drives change. I'm particularly interested in environmental issues, social justice, and the power of the arts to influence society. Bringing awareness to these topics and inspiring action through my work is what drives me every day.

Por qué estoy en Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because I love connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Traveling and meeting new people not only enriches my understanding of the world but also fuels my passion for storytelling.

Couchsurfing allows me to experience places through the eyes of locals, making my travels more meaningful and authentic. Plus, I enjoy sharing my own experiences and stories with others, fostering a sense of community and mutual learning.

Intereses

• writing
• hiking
• cinema

Música, películas y libros

i. Only Yesterday (Isao Takahata, 1991): Spectacular exploration of the profundity and quotidian life of Japanese girlhood that grows with every viewing. Takahata-san's sense of time and space, memory and grief, is worth studying.

ii. Husbands (John Cassavetes, 1970): The languid pace along with an almost rudderless improv performance from the three leads make its an acquired taste, even by Cassavetes' standards, but its as accurate a 'mirror' to anything I've seen in cinema.

iii. Metropolitan (Whit Stillman, 1990): Bourgeois grad kids in the natural habitat, a territory that's easy to be cynical about (see the atrocious Saltburn) yet Stillman's lens and writing observes with a gentleness, filled with wit and humor. We're all trying to figure it out, even nepo babies and brownstone upper class Manhattanites.

Algo increíble que he hecho

Voted for the Golden Globe Awards! Attended Cannes Film Festival! Ask me for more stories!

Enseña, aprende, comparte

Connect with me here, and let's chat more!

Email: kalashnk@icloud;
Instagram / Twitter: @kalashndk
Facebook: Kalash Nanda Kumar

Qué puedo ofrecer a los anfitriones

My professional work revolves around journalism, advocacy, non-profit and heritage/arts management. If you're interested in grant-writing, pitching processes, or life in journalism: I could help you with organising your resume/portfolio, and other tips of the trade I've learnt over the years.

I am relatively proficient in the following sports: Badminton, Football/Soccer, Tennis, Paddleboard. If you're looking for an extra pair of hands or need a spot for gym sessions.

I am a vegetarian, and have practised meditation and yoga for most of my life. Beyond conversations or dialogues about art or cinema, I am more than happy to provide guided meditation sessions or some tips about getting started/improving your meditation. I am affliated with Ananda Marga Yoga Society and Hare Krsna movement, I could even connect you with monks for further lessons -- if that's your vibe! :)

Países que he visitado

Armenia, Austria, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand