KUCHING: An action thriller shot entirely in Sarawak will be released on Sept 16.
"Raya Emas: Salako Sacred Treasure", directed by award winning Chan Wai Cheang, is a tale of the fight to possess the fictitious mythical flower "Raya Emas".
Chan, who has 26 years of experience working largely for indie film production firms, received the Golden Globe Award for Best Director in 2012 for "Goodnight DJ Season 2".
The film is a tale of hope, courage and redemption enmeshed in familial love and ancient supernatural lore.
With Melissa Francis and Ahirine Ahirudin as the leading actresses, 80 per cent of the RM1.5 million movie is shot in the seaside resort of Lundu and among the ethnic Salako community. Lundu is some 100km from Kuching.
Sarawak's Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Hamzah, during a sneak preview of the film today said the movie was not just any ordinary movie but a cinematic journey that would take the audience deep into the heart of the Salako people's culture and beliefs.
Karim also said he was proud to have a local movie that showcased the unique and captivating culture of the Salako people.
The movie, he added, would not only immortalise local legends but also continue to preserve them.
With Lundu as the prime location of the movie, the tourism minister said the coastal resort's stunning natural beauty and captivating landscapes would undoubtedly captivate the movie goers' interest and "make them yearn to experience the magic of Sarawak first hand."
"We are embracing on a new journey, showcasing our welcoming spirit and rich heritage through the (camera) lens and the silver screen."