Kelantan state govt opens 'cinema' for two nights

 

In a rare move, the Kelantan state government turned the National Department for Culture and Arts auditorium in Kota Bharu into a "cinema" to host two advanced screenings of the film Duan Nago Bogho.

The showings on Friday and Saturday night attracted 1,600 moviegoers in the state which is infamous for having shuttered cinemas since the 1990s.

The film's director and actor Sabri Yunus said it was a manifestation of the people's will.

"I believe that filling this hall two for two nights is a manifestation of the people of Kelantan's desire for a movie theatre.

"I really hope that one day there is a bright light for all of us," he said in a short speech at last night's screening.

Also in attendance were Kelantan unity, culture, heritage, and tourism exco Md Anizam Ab Rahman as well as local art group Persatuan Kumpulan Anak Seni Ucok Tara Kelantan (Kasut) chairperson Nawi Mahmood.

Kelantan unity, culture, heritage, and tourism state executive councillor Md Anizam Ab Rahman (middle)

Kelantan is one of two states besides Perlis not to have a movie theatre and proposals to re-open them have not been seriously entertained by the state government.

However, last year, movie screenings at halls and auditoriums for the Mat Kilau film were organised, partly by then-communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa, who was also a Kelantan MP at the time.

The special screening for Duan Nago Bogho - jointly organised by the state government, Kasut, and production company Kalamarif Holding - was held in advance of the film's official cinema release on Jan 19.

The movie is an action film centred around Duan, a Mak Yong performer from Kelantan who is also a fighter, and his clash with a group of criminals after he migrates to Kuala Lumpur.

Mak Yong is a traditional Kelantan dance-drama which had been banned from Kelantan for 28 years because of its animist and Hindu-Buddhist roots before Syariah-compliant versions were allowed starting in 2019.

Despite the movie's Kelantanese characters and themes, its director Sabri said it was a film meant for the entire nation.

"It is a Malaysian film, but borrows the spirit, background, and characters from Kelantan to state that 'these are the Malays of Nusantara'," he said. - Mkini