LOCAL production house, SunStrong Entertainment has announced a substantial investment of RM4.73 million in the Malaysian film He Sang a Dirge, directed by Loh Din Yung.
The selection of this film follows the ‘Scam Prevention Short Film Contest’ organized by SunStrong Entertainment, in which Loh’s other work, Bad Day, secured second place.
The competition spanned six months, including a rigorous selection process, culminating in an awards ceremony held in Beijing, China, on June 17 this year. As part of the contest, the top ten finalists in the Open category had the opportunity to submit their film proposals to SunStrong Entertainment, and the leading entries received cash prizes totalling US$128,000 (RM600,000).
He Sang a Dirge, inspired by real events, delves into a fraudulent chain of tuition centres in Malaysia that purportedly offer counterfeit degrees to attract tutors. The film uncovers the hidden dark side of this chain, which is unknown to many, making the script all the more gripping and eagerly anticipated.
SunStrong Entertainment founder, Jment Lim, expressed the ultimate objective of their initiatives, ranging from the Scam Prevention Short Film Contest to the substantial US$1 million investment in producing socially relevant films. Their primary aim is to raise awareness about scams, ultimately contributing to the creation of a safer and more harmonious society.
Lim also emphasized that the competition serves as an initiative to support local talents while increasing awareness about scams and other social issues that impact the masses.
In addition to He Sang a Dirge, SunStrong Entertainment has invested in the local film Snow in Midsummer, directed by Chong Keat Aun. This film received a prestigious ‘Special Mention Musa Cinema and Arts Award’ at the Venice International Film Festival and garnered nominations in nine categories, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 60th Golden Horse Awards.
Another project backed by SunStrong Entertainment, Pavane for an Infant, directed by Chong, addresses important social issues like out-of-wedlock pregnancy, abortion, and sexual assault. The purpose of the movie is to bring these vital issues to the attention of the general public.
Both Pavane for an Infant and He Sang a Dirge are scheduled to be screened at major film festivals all over the world in the upcoming year, highlighting the local film industry’s ongoing expansion as well as its growing recognition on a global scale.
