THE rise of scams in Malaysia has prompted local production company SunStrong Entertainment to create more public awareness about the worsening issue via short films and movies.
Last year, it organised the Scam Prevention Short Film Contest with the specific goal to highlight the social problem and encourage budding talent to express their creativity.
Following a six-month intense competition and selection process, the contest culminated in an award ceremony in Beijing on June 17 this year, which saw winners taking home cash prizes amounting to US$128,000.
The top 10 finalists in the Open Category were also given the chance to submit a feature film proposal to SunStrong Entertainment, where the winner would receive a US$1 million production investment.
After a careful selection process that took four months, SunStrong Entertainment awarded the investment to 27-year-old local talent Loh Din Yung.
Loh had won second place at the Scam Prevention Short Film Contest for his entry, Bad Day. The production investment he won will go towards making his new film, titled He Sang A Dirge.
Inspired by actual events, He Sang A Dirge is based on a fraudulent chain of tuition centres in Malaysia that offer fake degrees as a scheme to recruit tutors.
Although known for its high student enrolment, the chain hides a dark side unknown to many, which provides for a gripping story that people can appreciate.
SunStrong Entertainment has been involved in many local and international productions, including the award-winning Small Town Heroes, J2: Retribusi and Escape Plan: The Extractors.
Its founder, Jment Lim said: "From the Scam Prevention Short Film Contest to the US$1 million investment for making movies of public interest, the company's ultimate goal is to draw more people's attention to scams in order to ultimately bring about a safer and more harmonious society".
In line with its other aim to support local talent and the growth of the Malaysian film industry, SunStrong Entertainment has invested in a few projects recently, including Snow In Midsummer directed by Chong Keat Aun.
The film recently received a Special Mention Musa Cinema & Arts Award at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy.
It was also nominated in nine categories, including Best Narrative Feature, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, at the 60th Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan.
Another film also directed by Chong, 45, is the women-centric Pavane For An Infant, which received a production investment of RM6.75 million.
It explores several issues that disproportionately affect women, such as out-of-wedlock pregnancy, abortion and sexual assault.
Chong's previous film, The Story Of Southern Islet, garnered him a Golden Horse Award for Best New Director in 2020.
"SunStrong Entertainment will continue to support local film and TV productions to deliver positive, high-quality and meaningful works to the audience," said Lim.
He added that both He Sang A Dirge and Pavane For An Infant would be showcased at major film festivals worldwide next year.