| Fizah HAB |
“THE Brunei film industry has potential to grow,” said Harlif bin Haji Mohamad, the founder of Regal Blue Production – a local film production house.
Speaking at a booth set up to promote local films during the ‘Bandarku Ceria’ event in the capital on Sunday, Harlif said that despite the lack of a film school in Brunei, there are now modules and courses on videography and film work. There has also been an emergence of young filmmakers making their debut both locally and internationally.
Harlif highlighted the need for filmmakers to collaborate and help each other improve for the sake of promoting the film industry.
The Brunei local film booth aimed to promote local films and highlight the colourful history of Brunei-produced films, including ‘Gema dari Menara,’ the first film produced in 1968. A religion-inspired film made in collaboration with the Religious Department, the film depicts a soulful 70’s story that still has strong impact in modern society.
Meanwhile, fellow filmmaker and Cinemotion Films owner Hanidi bin Haji Mahmud highlighted the resurgence of local film production in 2013, with the production of ‘Ada apa dengan Rina.’ Working in collaboration with Lao Art Media Co Ltd, a sequel to the comedy is currently in the works.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Brunei local film booth. – AZROL AZMI
Harlif and Hanidi expressed hopes that young filmmakers will broaden their experiences and take a chance in entering the local film industry, for which Brunei has a niche in terms of local myths and lores, comedy, scenic nature views and rich culture, all of which are just waiting to be tapped into.
Earlier in the day, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visited the Brunei local film booth and was presented with a pesambah in the form of a framed collection of local films.
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