KUALA LUMPUR: About 1,000 visitors at the Madani government's One-Year Anniversary Programme in Bukit Jalil National Stadium attended the screening of the local film 'Malbatt: Misi Bakara' initiated by the Home Ministry today.
The screening, which was held at the event's main stage, also received positive feedback from the attendees.
Many acknowledged that the move made by the government to provide a free screening of patriotic-themed films was a good move in instilling patriotism among Malaysians.
Some also said that the screening of the patriotic-themed film was inspiring as it was their first time watching it.
One of the attendees, Shahrul Azri, 25, said the government should do more similar programmes in the future.
He added that the initiative could attract more visitors to future programmes.
"I have always been interested in military and action-based films and will usually watch these films repeatedly.
"It is also not my first time watching (Misi) Bakara, but the film screening is free this time around. Hence, I take the opportunity (to come and watch).
"I also believe that such government's initiatives like this (providing free screenings of patriotic films) should be held (in the future) to attract more people to visit its event," he said when met by reporters at the film screening earlier.
Another attendee, Muhammad Azlan Abu Bakar, 38, said he came to watch the movie upon hearing about it.
Muhammad Azlan, accompanied by his wife and children, shared a sentiment similar to Shahrul's, highlighting the positive initiative by the government in organising the film screening.
According to Azlan, the movie conveyed a wealth of positive messages, making it a commendable and worthwhile effort.
"Initially, my goal was to spend time with my family. Upon hearing (about the screening), I immediately seized the opportunity to watch the film with them.
"My children had also wanted to watch the movie previously, but we did not manage to do it due to my busy schedule.
"(And) even though the experience cannot be compared like a real cinema, the film conveys many rich and useful messages for us," he said.
Malbatt: Misi Bakara is a patriotic action film and heartfelt tribute to Malaysia's brave soldiers who helped restore peace in war-torn Somalia.
The film, which Andrian Teh directed, garnered RM32.5 million after five weeks of its premiere on Aug 24.
The movie was based on the true story of Malaysian soldiers who rescued 70 of their United States counterparts who were trapped by Somali militiamen at the Bakara Market in the Somalian capital city Mogadishu in 1993.
Misi Bakara stars Bront Palarae, Shaheizy Sam, Zahiril Adzim, Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin, Adlin Aman Ramlie, Fauzi Nawawi, Tony Eusoff, Dafi Ismail Sabri, Taufiq Hanafi and Dini Schatzmann, among others.
ENDS