KUCHING: Ventura Interactive, in collaboration with The R&D Studio, is set to premiere ‘Koklir’, a live-action feature film based on an ancient legend from Borneo.
‘Koklir’ will be the first film in a series that explores the legendary monster from Iban folklore.
The film is directed by Sarawakian filmmaker Jeycobs Leroy, known for his VFX contributions to Disney’s ‘Wizards of Warna Walk’ and the award-winning film ‘Batik Girl’. Leroy reimagines the fictional world of Sebayan in ‘Koklir’, while the screenplay is written by Zaidah Z.
The plot revolves around Mel, played by Sarawakian actress Bulan Terry, who returns to her village and uncovers dark family secrets while grappling with the clash between tradition and modernization.
The film also stars Shermaine Darlene as Lucy, Mel’s niece, and Ivy Ubang as Mel’s mother.
Produced by Anum Ahmad, with Irwan Junaidy, Zuhri Aziz, and Andrew Bong as executive producers, this feature-length film includes an animated short film, the first of its kind in Sarawak, by Mclelun Lee, the animation director of ‘Framed Memories’ and ‘Atiqah Mohd Abu Bakar.’
Bong, the founder and CEO of Ventura Interactive, emphasised the primary objective of the co-production, which is to facilitate knowledge transfer by bringing in international talents, including their partner studio, The R&D Studio, for filming in Sarawak.
“To achieve this goal, we have also hired a local Sarawak vendor, Kayu Malam Productions. We are actively engaging talents to be part of our future projects. I’ve just spoken to David Yanez, also known as Gwai Lou, to develop a project together.
“Gwai Lou is a director of photography who has worked on feature-length films for Netflix and the acclaimed film ‘Barbarian Invasion’, directed by Tan Chui Mui. It’s an exciting time ahead of us, as we venture into the unknown, the booming film industry in Sarawak,” he said.
Bong, who also composed the original music score for ‘Koklir’, mentioned that the film will feature cross-country collaboration, including the works of sound designer and dialogue editor George Vu, who designed Koklir’s monstrous call.
Bong also enlisted musicians such as TV Starz Winner Jazper Nimoi, Japanese music artist Milligram, Sarawak violinist Nisa Addina, pianist Giorgi Mikadze (known for performing with Wang Leehom), and the Budapest orchestra for the film’s soundtrack.
Horror cinema enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the exclusive premiere of this film on TVS, scheduled for Oct 29 at 9.15pm.
