BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Bruneian production house, Origin Artistic, has announced it will begin filming its third feature film, a comedy-action flick called “Akademi”, later this month.
The Siti Kamaluddin-directed feature centres on the friendship between five aspiring security guards on a mission to rise above the obstacles life throws their way.
Producer Munji Athirah said the movie will be released in 2020 and will be scripted in Bahasa Brunei and shot around the country to promote the Bruneian national identity.
“National identity is not just in the language, but it’s in our culture, buildings, architecture and even colours of the film,” she told media during a press conference Monday.
The cast consists of familiar local talent including Liyana Yus and Nadiah Wahid, who starred in Origin’s first feature film, “Yasmine“, Shafiee Mostar and Ian Zulkifli, stars of “Hari Minggu Yang Ke-Empat“, as well as newcomers Nasrul Nassar, Zainal Bostaman and Syafi Halim.
Director Siti Kamaluddin said the film is part of the production company’s mission to continue supporting Bruneian artists on an international stage.
“The production of the latest film will also provide employment opportunities, as we will be working with 50 crew members and we are currently offering a mentorship programme for future Bruneian filmmakers,” she said.
The film will also involve participants of the previous Brunei Film Blitz and students of the Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia.
“People can catch the film in the cinemas, and right after the cinema run the film will be available on [media streaming] platforms such as Progresif,” she said, adding that there are plans to distribute the movie on other networks and apps.
“We hope that our Bruneian filmmakers and film crew will be able to benefit through this mentorship and will be able to release more locally-produced content into the global arena in the future.”