JOURNALISM ethics were put to the test, thanks to a popular entertainment bulletin programme after it featured the wedding ceremony of actor/TV personality Ashraf Sinclair and Indonesian singer Bunga Cinta Lestari recently. The entertainment bulletin, which is notorious for its controversial content, dedicated a segment highlighting the ceremony at Saujana Ballroom, The Saujana in Subang Jaya, last Friday.

The report claimed that Bunga was upset with an “issue” involving her family members who had flown in from Jakarta to attend the ceremony. The report also said her attitude became a sore point when she became emotional about the matter.

According to Ashraf’s management arm, Beyond Events Sdn Bhd general manager Amin Hussen, the truth was “merely distorted by the visual and commentary in the programme.”

During a brief phone interview earlier this week, Amin related the incident which he claimed was falsely reported in the programme.

According to him, the slight confusion arose when Bunga’s entourage which was scheduled to return to their lodgings in Kuala Lumpur at 11pm was postponed.
The bus driver was reportedly annoyed due to the delay but luckily Ashraf stepped in quickly to resolve the problem.

“What upsets me was that the clip that featured Bunga didn’t run parallel with the commentary. Everything went smoothly and the newlyweds were clearly unperturbed by the matter as they were smiling and laughing with their guests not long after that,” said Amin.

He also added that the broadcast journalist, who was accompanied by crew members, also appeared insensitive when she harassed some of the guests about a recent controversy involving the celebrity couple.

“It was a momentous affair and as a guest, she should have showed a bit of respect for the hosts. We are still trying to understand the objective of the report.

“It’s very hurtful as both the bride and groom have accommodated their guests including the media with sufficient time for photo opportunities and interviews. I hope this incident will not recur in the future,” said Amin.

Beyond Events organised a Press conference on Monday to clarify the situation.

“Let it be known that I’m not seeking an apology. It’s just important for us to clear the air and highlight the truth,” he added.



n Malaysia’s very own superhero movie, Cicakman and its sequel Cicakman 2: Planet Hitam, will be screened in Thailand soon.

According to its producer Norman Abdul Halim of KRU Films Sdn Bhd, several Thai film producers have acquired the rights to the movies at the recent American Film Market 2008 (AFM2008) in Santa Monica, California.

“The response from the foreign producers was overwhelming. At present, KRU is exploring the possibilities of collaborating with international producers,” said Norman, when met during a brief transit at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan last week.

Norman said the foreign producers also expressed interest in acquiring its documentaries.

“My management is still discussing the terms and conditions with the TV producers. Typically, an acquisition process takes awhile to materialise,” he added.



n Kurus, a muhibbah telemovie produced by Limkokwing Film & Television Academy won the Special Jury Prize at the Bangkok International Film Festival in September.

Written and directed by Woo Ming Jin, the film is a coming-of-age drama about the trials and tribulations of a 15-year-old boy raised by a single father.

Set in a rural environment, the telemovie portrays the harmonious interaction between the various races.

The movie is co-produced by LFTA and Greenlight Pictures.

According to the head of LFTA Aron Koh, the academy is involved in the production process of Kurus.

“This exercise helped to enhance the students’ filmmaking skills. Some of them even acted in it. Kurus is a very meaningful and sweet story. Hopefully, this will become a hit on television, especially since it has entered various international film circuits.

Kurus boasts new and established cast including Arshad Zamri, Namron, Mislina Mustapha and Carmen Soo.

Meanwhile, Limkokwing also bagged the Best in Media and Entertainment in MSC — Asia Pacific Information Communication Technology Award 2008 trophy for Love Me Butch’s music video for Barricade.