KUALA LUMPUR – National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairman Datuk Kamil Othman has proposed that the film Pendatang be screened in schools as an educational tool to foster understanding of race relations in the country.
On social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Kamil posted the movie’s poster, accompanied by his recommendation, aiming to initiate a meaningful exchange of views among the nation’s youth.
“(The movie) should be screened at schools to invite discussions, and dismantle deep seated perceptions and prejudices,” Kamil said.
“Small steps towards a desired destination.”
At press time, Pendatang, which has been touted as Malaysia’s first-ever crowdfunded film, has garnered more than 325,000 views since its release on Thursday (December 21).
Amir Muhammad, founder of Kuman Pictures as well as a prominent filmmaker and author, acknowledged the enthusiastic response from viewers and netizens who shared both praise and criticism following the release.
Penned by Lim Boon Siang and directed by Ng Ken Kin, Pendatang is a Malaysian thriller portraying the triumph of humanity over racial extremism in a dystopian future.
The one hour and 38 minute long film features an ensemble cast including Fred Chan, Mayjune Tan, Shareen Yeo, Kyzer Tou, Qaidah Marha, Nick Davis, Kent Tan, Grace Ng, Julie Chew, Dave Tan, Devakar Rajah, Jasmin Lyn, Jonathan Cheong, Afry Wijoyo, Chuan Boon Loh, David Cheah, Loh Shu Jin, and Azman Hassan.
Kickstarted in July 2022, Pendatang stands as Malaysia’s maiden fully crowdfunded movie, aiming to present a unique perspective on the potential impact and danger of racial politics on the lives of ordinary individuals.
The movie had also been reportedly produced with a shoestring budget of RM300,000, mostly from funds raised by the public.
The decision to release the movie on YouTube also served the purpose of bypassing the scrutiny and potential edits imposed by the Malaysian Film Censorship Board (LFP), thereby safeguarding the film’s fundamental content and the values it seeks to convey.
Responding to a question about the censorship board approvals needed for the film to be screened in schools, Kamil insisted that it was the regulator’s discretion although certain arragements could be made on the matter.
“Can’t speak on behalf of LPF but looking at the film objectively, some leeway might be possible,” Kamil said.
Released on December 21 and available for free on YouTube without any major advertising, the dystopian thriller unfolds in a Malaysia where different races are forbidden to mix, enforced by draconian laws.
The narrative kicks off when a Chinese family discovers a small Malay girl in their new ‘allocated’ house, prompting a moral dilemma: dispose of her thereby putting her in mortal danger, or risk their safety and lives by attempting to smuggle her back to the ‘Malay area’. – December 25, 2023