HEROIC LASSES IN ACTION
Malaysia’s first female-centric sci-fi action film is set to hit cinemas next year. has the story
MOVE aside, Katniss Everdeen, a whole group of heroic lasses are hungry to get their kick-ass game on in a locally-made sci-fi thriller.
The brainchild of three friends, director Timothy Tio, also known as Timo, co-director Wynner Cheong and writer Jason Ding, the movie, titled Duality, will be Malaysia’s first action-packed sci-fi thriller with a lead female cast when it is released next year.
The film was a dream come true for the trio, who had always wanted to incorporate elements uncommon in a local production.
“We noticed how there was a lack of strong female characters in the local film industry, with action hero roles mostly being dominated by male characters.
“Having watched countless action films like John Wick, Jason Bourne, Atomic Blonde and Wonder Woman, we took inspiration from there to develop a film that promoted strong female characters instead,” said Timo, when contacted by the New Straits Times yesterday.
“There’s something captivating about strong women, especially in this time and age where women are pushing for equality.”
The line-up of the female cast will star fresh faces, such as model-turned-actress Sylvia Tan, who will be playing the character Miss Red. Miss World Malaysia Pageant 2015’s first runner-up, Serene Claire, will take the role of Miss Jane. Dara Yong, a certified personal trainer, will play Thracia, and model and TV host Sharlin Dian, will play Neve. Marcio Sebsam will play the one male character, Boyd, a ringleader.
The story is set against the backdrop of a distant dystopian society, as Miss Red wakes up to find herself without any memory of her identity.
Vulnerable to her environment, she searches for answers and soon discovers that her body is equipped with a set of skills that become vital for her survival.
“This story carries a lot of themes. It’s a crossover between human trafficking, artificial intelligence and the dark web,” said Timo.
Timo said the story also highlighted self-discovery, and how the choices you make in life define you.
“You have the power to make good or bad choices. This film explores that through the characters.”
And to prove just how much these girls could kick ass, Timo said the action stunts would be performed by the cast, meaning no stuntmen or stunt doubles were involved.
“I hope movie goers will come and support our film when it comes out next year,” he said.