Zarul Albakri should be working on his next film but he is unable to do that as his existing film is stuck at the Film Censorship Board, which is refusing to give it its green light.
To pass time - and let off his frustration - Zarul instead turned to creating caricatures on national politics.
With the aid of an artist, Zarul produces images peppered with sarcasm on various burning issues afflicting the country.
"Actually, the purpose of my working with an artist is to produce a story board for a new film.
"But I'm demotivated by the fact that my current film is not allowed to be screened in Malaysia," he told Malaysiakini in an interview.
In his sorrow, Zarul put his heart into his ‘Zax Keprax’ cartoon series.
ZaxKeprax Comix Art
about 2 weeks ago
Zax Keprax is the pen name used by Zarul when he produced the film ‘Mat Gelap’ in 1990.
He also produced the films ‘Matinya Seorang Patriot’ (1984) and ‘Kembara Seniman Jalanan’ (1986).
About two years ago, Zarul began working with his brother Zahim, who is well-known in the theatre scene, to produce a film titled ‘Spilt Gravy on Rice’, based on the 2002 play of the same name by playwright Jit Murad.
But the film, for now, is considered ‘illegal’ in Malaysia as it has yet to get approval from the censors.
Zarul, as the producer, and Zahim, as director and actor, are now re-editing the comedy before submitting it to the censorship body again for further evaluation.
Among the actors in ‘Spilt Gravy on Rice’ are Rahim Razali, Harith Iskander, Bernice Chauly, Na'a Murad, Sean Ghazi and Jit, who wrote the original play.
Doing caricatures for now
ZaxKeprax Comix Art
about 2 months ago
Despite his career as a producer, Zarul confessed to being a keen follower of current affairs.
"I always follow political developments, but I kept quiet," he said.
However, through his caricatures, Zarul is now speaking out. His caricatures can be found on the Facebook page, ZaxKeprax Comix Art.
Asked if the change was prompted by the rising political heat in the country, Zarul said it was more to release his frustration over the inability to produce new films, with ‘Spilt Gravy on Rice’ being stalled.
"I adopt a proactive attitude and am constantly finding ways to produce creative works.
"I hope the message I'm trying to convey will be well accepted," he said.
Asked if he was worried that his caricatures may be misunderstood or could have rub some personalities the wrong way, Zarul joked: "I'm afraid of Rosmah, but (with) the rest, I'm okay.
"If I can't produce films, I'll settle for cartoons for now," he said.
ZaxKeprax Comix Art
about 2 months ago
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