Despite increasing rainfall, Cloudy Bay turns out refreshing vibrant wine with its Sauvignon Blanc 2018 Vintage
BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS
WE MAY NEVER KNOW the true extent of the hard work that goes on behind the camera — the effo s of the ones who set the scene, bringing life to stories and ideas. And having the director not just behind the camera, but also working and training alongside his cast, is truly another level of commitment to storytelling.
Filmed in Malay and wri en and directed by Adrian Teh, PASKAL: The Movie gives people the sense of homegrown patriotism that’s meant to be instilled in every citizen. Being the first action flick Teh has ever done, he’s surpassed expectations and trumped a new genre in filmography. Based on true events, PASKAL (abbreviated from Pasukan Khas Laut) is about an elite unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy Force (TLDM). Lieutenant Commander Arman Anwar and his team set out on a mission to rescue a tanker, MV Bunga Laurel, which was hijacked by Somali pirates. Amidst this, Arman’s mother remains disgruntled about his choices, having lost her husband in a similar predicament.
Like most Malaysians who, prior to this movie, might not have known about PASKAL, Teh did not as well. Having been informed by a friend, Teh grew curious and from there began his research. This brought us a film that ente ained us and hea ened us to the sacrifices made by our unsung heroes in the military. Teh had his fair share of negative and unsuppo ive opinions during pre-production, but was headstrong and adamant enough to challenge other people’s beliefs, pushing all of his boundaries in the process. WHAT WAS IT LIKE MEETING THE REAL-LIFE HEROES THAT YOUR FILM IS BASED ON? I’ve met a lot of actual heroes. There are three incidents or missions that took place in real life in the movie. The first two were actually inspired by three events. I’m very lucky and grateful to have met some of them who were actually involved. They’re just like us, the first Laksamana Panglima, he’s the chief of PASKAL, he was the one who did the mission back in 1998, where he single-handedly rescued five hostages from a group of rebels. So I met him and he’s just like any other uncle you’d see in a
mamak, very low profile, very so spoken, and very humble. He knows what he can do, his responsibility and duty to the nation. When I speak to someone like him, I feel very li le. The way he carried himself, made me feel very li le, but that’s why I felt very privileged to have been able to learn from someone like him. HOW DO YOU THINK THE LOCAL FILM INDUSTRY CAN UP THEIR GAME? Myself and other local film producers and directors are trying to expand our industry to the foreign markets. I’ve been doing that for the past five to 10 years. For all my works, I’ve screened them not only in Malaysia, but mostly in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan too. Hong Kong and Taiwan too. While Hong Kong and Taiwan do not have a quota, China has, as it is the biggest pie in the world. I’ve managed to sell a few movies there as well. As a local film director, and producer, for us to be able to travel, we need to deliver a quality product for people to watch. That’s how I think we can go fu her.
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE? I think in order to achieve anything you must have this so of determination and belief in yourself that you can and you will be able to deliver without being put down by others' opinions. Eventually, you’ll be the one doing it, and you’re the one who’s going to work it out. Find a way, find a source of inspiration and determination. Being stubborn is key to success.