KUCHING: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has congratulated Macgres Sawet and Nabiatul Dania Zulfiqa, two Primary 5 pupils of SK Temong, Serian for their outstanding achievement in winning the ‘Best Film By Popular Jury’ in the primary school category at the ‘Festival de Cinema Escola de Alvorada’ (Fecea) or Alvorada International Schools Film Festival recently.
“We are truly proud with the achievements of Macgres and Nabiatul in wooing the judges for their short animation film called ‘Batuh Bijanji’ which means ‘Promise Stones’ in Bidayuh language,” said Abdul Karim on the duo’s achievements.
He also congratulated the two pupils’ teachers, Wan Zulfadli Ad-Dinnie Wan Azmi and Mohd Reduan Patah who guided them throughout the 10-day production of the short film which used the rotoscoping technique that is popular among young people who aspire to become Hollywood-like animators.
“The storyline of their short film is simply beautiful because it was about two childhood friends, Bibi and Sarah who became friends after a meeting while the latter was in grief. The narrative was of that young people who treasure their friendship that withstands the test of time,” Abdul Karim said.
“We are also delighted to see that there are over 1,000 views on the short film even though it was uploaded on YouTube about three weeks ago and it has the potential of encouraging more of our local youngsters to follow suit in producing their own films or videos,” he added.
According to him, those interested in expanding their wings in the creative industry can apply for grants and assistance from the Sarawak Youth Creative Industry Fund (SYCIF) undertaken by the Youth and Sports Ministry (MYSS).
“The fund was introduced by our chief minister last year and it is aimed to provide support and assistance to our local talented youth who want to venture into the creative industry,” he said.
“We hope both Macgres and Nabiatul would continue to further develop their talents in film making.
“Even at their young age they had done us proud through their works which had also been shortlisted for the ‘Best Animation (Primary School) Award’,” Abdul Karim said.
