Abang Johari (fourth right) unveiling a filming camera while the cast and crew conduct a ritual for blessing.
MIRI: Sarawak offers the advantage of a ‘natural studio’ to local and international filmmakers and production houses.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg , who is Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said Sarawak including Miri, is rich in natural and unspoilt beauty and wonders like seafronts, jungles and caves such as Mulu Caves which are perfect and unique settings for filmmakers.
“Recently, I visited a Bollywood studio in India … it was small due to space constraints in Mumbai and we in Sarawak can offer a natural studio which is unique and beautiful. Apart from that, we have a lot of natural talent,” said Abang Johari at a function to mark the commencing of filming for ‘Blue Tears’ – which claims to be the first China-Malaysia online movie project – at a hotel here yesterday.
The movie’s storyline revolves around a China national named Ling Fu Shen who falls in love with a native girl named Katrina. The filming will be done at various locations, including Tusan Beach in Bekenu, Lambir and Mulu.
The 100-minute-long movie will feature famous stars from China such as Ringo Yu, who featured in Jackie Chan’s ‘Police Story’, and Sun Wei, who is currently starring in five major television dramas in Beijing.
The movie is a joint venture between China-Malaysia Universal Television Company of Malaysia and Global Business International Group Ltd (China).
“Sarawak, and Miri in particular, is rich in culture and heritage such as that of the Chinese, Malay and the natives including the oriental. If we can converge these cultures or create cross cultural conversation, we can promote peace globally through films,” said Abang Johari.
He opined Blue Tears could also symbolise China and Malaysia working together and falling in love with each other.
The minister also said that tourism would be the new engine of growth for the state as it was estimated to make up 15 per cent of Sarawak’s gross domestic product (GDP) – the third largest contributor to the state’s economy.
In this context, Abang Johari hoped that the movie would be able to bring in more tourists from mainland China, as well as Canada – particularly Vancouver – and Australia which has big populations of Chinese immigrants.
“Films can raise their curiosity and awareness of what Sarawak, including Miri, can offer and make us (more attractive) as a destination for filmmakers and ordinary tourists,” he added.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Mayor Adam Yii, Global China Film (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd chairman Oliver Yong and Global Business Club (China) president Chen Yu He.