| Lyna Mohamad |
THE release of ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina’ in 2013 after nearly five decades since the first Bruneian film was produced in 1968 has set off a domino effect on the previously non-existent local film industry. Several indigenous films have been produced since then, giving citizens hope that the country can indeed compete with its peers in this arena.
Encouraged by the film’s warm reception, Regal Blue Production began work on a sequel titled ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina 2’ – this time collaborating with Lao Art Media Co Ltd, a production house from Lao PDR, with scenes shot in both Brunei and Laos.
The film was officially released on Tuesday evening at Times Cineplex of the Times Square Shopping Centre in Berakas in a launching ceremony officiated by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Also in attendance was the film’s Producer Nurain binti Abdullah and Amphay Kindavong, Ambassador of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Brunei Darussalam and spouse.
Set in present-day Vientiane and Bandar Seri Begawan, ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina 2’ is a comedy film directed by Harlif bin Haji Mohamad, starring local actor Syukri Mahari alongside Taufek Ilyas and Haji Yahya bin Haji Beruddin, and a Lao cast comprising Khouannakhone Souliyabapha, Chintana Soukkavongsa and Phingsavanh Boulom.
“Among the objectives of producing ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina’ was to establish a film atmosphere in the country and to realise the hopes of the government of making the creative industry one of the key contributors to the nation’s economy,” said Dayang Nurain in her speech at the launching, adding that ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina 2’ is a continuation of that effort.
It is also Regal Blue Production’s hope that the new film – which carries a theme of friendship – can help promote Brunei and Laos to the outside world, and enliven the 50-year anniversary of Asean this year.
Amphay Kindavong, meanwhile, highlighted that “the collaborative effort (between Brunei and Laos) to produce ‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina 2’ is great for cultural exchange between the two countries” and timely, “in view of the upcoming 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Brunei in 2018”.
‘Apa Ada Dengan Rina’ received an overwhelming response from the public and has been invited to be featured in 17 international film festivals, including those in South Korea, Jeddah, Switzerland, Italy and a number of Asean member countries.
‘Ada Apa Dengan Rina 2’ will begin screening today at the Times Cineplex.
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