By Malcolm Lau
KUCHING, Dec 28: The first Iban language film, ‘Bungai Ngerembai’, is set to reach the cinema screens in Malaysia in May next year, just in time for the Gawai Dayak celebration.
Directed by Taiwan-based Sarawakian film producer Datuk Robin Lai, the 90 to 120 minutes movie was filmed mainly in areas outside Kuching with the cast composed of local actors and actresses who spoke in Iban language.
“The movie is about 40 per cent complete. Our main target is the China market for the screening of the movie,” Lai told a press conference which was attended by Minister of Works Baru Bian.
Baru emphasised that the movie will be a great gift to the Dayak community, especially with its release near the Gawai Dayak Festival next year.
“It is produced by Telbina Technology Sdn Bhd. It is a great initiative and opportunity that will help to promote and showcase the history, cultures, and ethnics in Sarawak as well as the state to others beyond our shore,” he said.
“I hope we can develop the local film industry which can also contribute to the development of the country,” he added.
Oversea Chinese Media and Communication Co Ltd chairman Jitang Zhang, Telbina Technology managing director Jerry Mason and VAP Capital Sdn Bhd managing director Vincent Chan were present.— DayakDaily
