Promoting Sabah through films
Kota Kinabalu: The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry will widen the scope of promoting Sabah, especially through creative content like films, said its Minister Mohammadin Ketapi.
"When we talk about culture, art and heritage, it is not something new in terms of promotion. But now, the Ministry would like to make it wider where we will promote it in a bigger scale abroad," he said when officiating the premiere of Tangisan Akinabalu, here, Thursday.
The film, inspired by the devastating 5.9 Richter scale earthquake that struck Ranau in 2015, tells a story of a group of mountain guides who were involved during the quake.
Tangisan Akinabalu, shot in 2016 entirely in Kundasang, Mount Kinabalu and around the city, is produced by local production house New Line Film and directed by award-winning director Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli.
The lead actors are big screen debutants Yuri Mejal and Phantagerow, and assisted by a pool of Sabah's talented actors, with a special appearance by Datuk Yusof Haslam.
More than 300 actors and 40 crew were involved in the production of the RM2.2 million Tangisan Akinabalu.
The film is screened in 32 cinemas nationwide starting Thursday.
"The Ministry will also provide incentives for local production houses to create more local creative contents…we will provide a bigger opportunity for exposure and promotion for them," said Mohamaddin.
The State, he said, is naturally beautiful and its unique culture should be promoted through films so that it is better known by outsiders.
"I hope these unique local stories can be showcased on the silver screen so that the culture of Sabah can be better appreciated internationally," he said.
He added that the Ministry welcomed any proposals to promote Sabah culture whether in the form of film, drama, theatre, song and other activities to boost nation's arts industry.
Mohamaddin also disclosed that he had discussed with the director and producer of Tangisan Akinabalu to include the film in the Ministry's international promotional programme.
"Films are among the most suitable channel to promote beautiful and interesting locations, and local culture."
Towards this end, he said, the Ministry plans to showcase the film in the World Travel Market London (WTM London) next month.
WTM London is a leading global event for the travel industry to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.
He also hoped the State Government through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry can chip in to sponsor a pavilion to promote Sabah at the WTM London 2018.
Meanwhile, he said Tangisan Akinabalu has a good storyline which can attract movie fans, especially locals, to the cinemas. "I was also informed that the cast and crew are nearly 100 per cent Sabahans.
"Such opportunity and trust should be given to them as they, too, can be great film stars and crew in Malaysia," he said.
Also present were Permanent Secretary to the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai, producer Datin Stelyviana Vie Dandam Sitoh and executive producer Rodih Madun.
