By Sarah Yusoff
GOMBAK, 17 October 2022: The future of Malaysia’s film industry has shifted amidst Mat Kilau’s success, proving that the local film and creative industry can pave the way towards producing better quality movies.
“Films like Mat Kilau could make it to the international level if filmmakers are willing to improve their standards”, said one of the panelists, Tuan Hj. Abdul Rahman Mt. Dali, in the ‘Surfing The Waves Of Life’ forum held on 14th of October 2022.
The Producer of Studio Kembara Sdn Bhd further expressed his hope to produce more meaningful movies in future. “If we can pursue the Islamic banking and halal industry, why not pursue the film industry as well?” he said.
When asked on the critics that Mat Kilau was a shariah compliant film but not history compliant, Tuan Hj. Abdul Rahman said, “I think it is crucial for everyone to understand that Mat Kilau is a film, not a documentary and we chose Mat Kilau because there is no dispute regarding his existence.”
“The main lesson that I would like to highlight from Mat Kilau is his character, he is the depiction of a true Muslim and we should admire his bravery and love for his own people,” Tuan Hj. Abdul Rahman explained.
“Despite being a non-English film, it is still one of the most watched movies on Netflix which proves that we can compete with other countries such as Korea, Japan, and many more,” he added.
Moderated by the Executive Director of Communication and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), Madam Mediha Mahmood, the forum also invited Director of the Malaysian National Book Council, Mr. Mohd. Khair Ngadiron to provide insights into Malaysian film industry.
“Back in the old days, many movies were melancholic and slow paced whereas today, people are more focused on fast paced films, which is why Mat Kilau is liked by many, especially the youngsters,” Mr. Mohd. Khair said.
Mr. Mohd. Khair added that creative elements in historical movies are important. He affirmed that, “It is called a film for a reason, elements of fiction are essential to entertain viewers.”
The forum was part of the Mat Kilau; Forum and Charity Movie Screening, organised by the Alumni Relations Division and was attended by approximately 400 audiences. The forum was followed with the movie screening of Mat Kilau.
Among the special guests were cast members of Mat Kilau, Dato’ Jalaluddin Hassan and Geoff Andre Feyaerts, Director of Alumni Relations Division, Encik Mir Azrul, Deputy Rector of IIUM (Student Development & Community Engagement), Prof. Dr. Akmal Khuzairy Bin Abd. Rahman and Rector of IIUM, Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak and his wife.
The event which was held at the Main Auditorium, IIUM ended with a meet and greet session with the casts of Mat Kilau. ***