KUCHING: Local talented filmmakers are urged to produce more ethnic films such as ‘Bungai Ngerembai’ in future.
Federal Works Minister Baru Bian said, “We all know a very clear fact that when we talk about the film industry, the ethnic film industry can be said to be non-existent.
“In this context, it is my desire that after this (Bungai Ngerembai), more films from Sarawak, especially those based on history, culture and contemporary Sarawakian ethnicity will be produced.
“We,
Sarawakians, have a goal that one day, we want to see more ethnic films in
comparison to other national films that already have a strong foundation in
Malaysia.”
Baru added Sarawak was able to achieve this if its people worked together and
were serious about developing ethnic films.
He was speaking at a press conference for the launch of ‘Bungai Ngerembai’ held yesterday at The Banquet.
“I want to reiterate here that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government adopts a policy of inclusiveness.
“The Dayak community, in particular, should take this opportunity to produce high quality films based on Sarawak.
“Therefore, I urge responsible government agencies such as Finas to provide appropriate guidance to ethnic producers and actors while generously providing financial incentives to ethnic filmmakers,” he added.
Baru said he made the suggestion out of a desire to develop the ethnic film industry so that it could contribute to the diversity of the nation’s film productions.
He also urged private companies to come forward to play their role in developing the ethnic film industry as their corporate responsibility.
Baru hoped that the beginning of 2020 would be a turning point for the emergence of a thriving ethnic film industry.
‘Bungai Ngerembai’, directed by Datuk Robin Lai, is being produced by a local Bumiputra company called Telbina Technology Sdn Bhd. It is currently in production with the release date scheduled to be in May next year.
