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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 24: Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has high hopes that filming destinations in Sarawak will become as popular as China’s Rainbow Mountains.
He shared the story of the rainbow-coloured mountains in China’s Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, which was made famous after being featured in a movie.
The mountains were subsequently recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, sitting on par with Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona.
“However, the fact remains that the place is exposed to the world following the movie, whereby the landscape portrayed in the film has attracted its audience.
“From there, one thing leads to another, and finally, the place was upgraded and subsequently recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO,” he said while launching the comedy-drama series ‘Enjoy Your Stay’ produced by RTM at Damai Beach Resort today.
Abdul Karim further said RTM’s effort with the drama series would pave the way for filming destinations in Sarawak to be elevated as tourism spots comparable to the journey of Rainbow Mountains in China.
At the same time, he clarified that the Ministry is selective in channelling assistance to foreign productions as it prioritises supporting local filmmakers.
“I see the Sarawak filmmaking industry is still at an early stage, and it needs to be given a push and support from the government.
“That is why the Sarawak government has reviewed my Ministry to oversee the portfolio of the creative industry and performing arts as well as planning to build a centre of performing arts because we want to develop the industry,” he added.
The 13-episode drama directed by Ikhsan Sukiman was shot mainly in Damai Beach Resort and other locations around Kuching, and it would be released by year-end.
The cast includes Harris Alif, Aisar Khaleed, Azam Pitt, Nur Risteena, Sangeeta Krishnasamy, and Ruby Ooi.
Also present were Abdul Karim’s wife, Datin Sri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; RTM director of TV Programme, Abdull Hadi Mohd Yusof; Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau; and RTM Sarawak director Wan Azhan Wan Hamat. — DayakDaily
