KUCHING: The upcoming movie on Bung Bratak will be the first epic film production in Sarawak and will also be the first official Bidayuh movie in digital format.
To be screened at 40 cinemas nationwide in May 2013, Bung Bratak is the most expensive Dayak film ever made with a projected RM2.5-3 million price tag and will be featuring top actors and actresses of Dayak Bidayuh origin as well as other local talents.
The movie is a collaboration between Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) led by president Dato Peter Minos and Bintulu-based film production house BFG Media & Entertainment Production.
According to film producer Benny Zhachariah, the movie will be 60 per cent based on historical fact and 40 per cent fiction.
“The movie is about the ancient culture of the Dayak Bidayuh, featuring the historical aspect of those of Jagoi Bratak descent.
“It is about the clash of cultures in the old days, comprising the Dayak Bidayuh community, the Ibans, Brunei Malays and the White Rajah Brooke. It is a blend of adventure, action, romance and comedy to form an epic film,” he said in a press conference yesterday.
He said that the movie will be 65 per cent in the Bidayuh Jagoi dialect while featuring other languages too, to reflect the 1Malaysia Concept. Malay, English and Chinese subtitles will be included.
Among some of the possible stars Benny will rope in for the movie are Tony Yusoff, Zachary Francis and Dewi Liana.
“The movie is aimed to promote Sarawakian cultures and also the language of the Dayak Bidayuh. It will also promote Bung Bratak as a tourism destination.
“In addition, it will provide job opportunities to the locals, especially for those who want to act or be part of the technical crew or production staff,” he said.
Benny said it was important to look at his attempt to film the movie from a Sarawakian point of view and not question as to it being Bidayuh or Iban.
“I’m an Iban but I’m shooting a Bidayuh movie. Let’s look at it as a movie on a part of Sarawak’s rich culture by a Sarawakian. The state currently lacks filmmakers so we need more locals to come out. It is healthy for the industry,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, BBHA secretary-general Joseph Jindy said the association is glad that Benny approached them with the movie idea.
“This is one way to portray the heritage and our existence. If we rely solely on word-of-mouth, the story will become out of context over generations.
“If put into movie or book form, we can better sustain the storyline as agreed by the community,” he noted.
Bung Bratak, the movie, is expected to begin shooting by middle of July next year.