Ministry supports local film production
KOTA KINABALU: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew has assured a local film production company that her ministry will render full support for its inaugural film-making endeavour.
She gave the assurance to Can Bah Production Sdn Bhd during a courtesy call by a delegation led by film director Katak Chua on Friday, to brief the minister on their production of “Craze Below The Wind”.
“I am in favour of a movie production company that uses mainly local talents for its casting, and showcases Sabah's tourist attractions and its exotic wildlife. We will provide administrative support and the necessary assistance in the event of technical issues.
“I encourage any production that puts Sabah on the world map for tourist destinations. I understand the shooting exercise will begin next Thursday. I wish them success,” she said.
Renowned singer Gary Chaw, who hails from Kota Belud, will make a special appearance in the 90-minute movie.
Liew, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, is happy that the film production will provide job opportunities to more than 60 people from Sabah.
Briefing the minister on “Craze Below The Wind”, Chua said the movie aims to educate the public on the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife conservation with focus on saving the orangutan from extinction.
“We will be featuring places like Kundasang, Sandakan and Tenom in the interior. Language use won't be purely in Mandarin as we want to portray Sabah's rich ethnic diversity,” he said.
The film-making process entails pre-production, production until the end of this month, postproduction activity (for editing and finishing purposes) and a promotional schedule.
“Can Bah Production will start promoting the movie in November, and we hope to stage its premiere early next year prior to screening it in the cinemas,” Chua added.
Meanwhile, film producer Chester Pang reported that the film is endorsed by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) under the Ministry of Communications and Media.
“Can Bah Production will screen ‘Craze Below The Wind' not only in Sabah cinemas but also nationwide.
“MM2 Entertainment, which has a presence in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China, will assist in distributing the movie to the international market as well,” he said.
MM2 Entertainment is a wholly-owned subsidiary of mm2 Asia Ltd, a Singapore-based film production and distribution company founded in Malaysia in 2008. According to Pang, the movie can also be viewed online and on television, and is likely to be made an in-flight movie too.
Also present were the ministry's Principal Assistant Secretary, Mary Malangking, scriptwriter Ong Zhong Hui and secretary Naomi Lo Chui Yee.