Director: James Lee

Year of Release: 2015

Genre: Drama, Family

Duration: 6mins

Last Day of School is a Mandarin-speaking Malaysian short film that follows the story of Siew Fang – a schoolgirl with big dreams who faces the challenges of supporting a struggling family.

The film begins with Siew Fang being introduced as a hard-working person. Her father who’s narrating the film, describes Siew Fang as the ‘hope of the family’ as she studies long into the night.

Due to financial pressures, Siew Fang lies about her academic results causing her father to label her as 'useless'. However, he later sees his daughter’s results hidden among her books which makes him break down emotionally as he realizes his daughter was planning to give up her studies to support their family.

It also illustrates the realities faced by older children as a parent’s inability to work pushes them to become the family’s breadwinner. Siew Fang was the only able-bodied individual, yet to reach adulthood but already concerned with life’s issues. If she had pursued further studies, there would be no one left to take care of their family financially and tend to their disabled father.

Last Day of School gives an important lesson, which is: ‘No child Should Sacrifice their Future’.

Rating: ★★★★⯪ (4.5/5)