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FireFlyz | 43
I
t
was the first Malaysian film to be selected for the
Venice Film Festival, as well as being long-listed for the
Academy Awards. Saw continues to add colours to the
scene with critically-acclaimed films like Hoore! Hoore!
and Apa Kata Hati as well as stage productions. Fireflyz
catches up with the award-winning producer-director to talk
about his latest project and what is it like being a filmmaker
in Malaysia.
How do you usually introduce yourself to someone that you
are meeting for the first time?
Just Teong Hin (chuckles)
You once described your journey leading to where you are
today as a series of fortunate incidents. How is that so?
My life path has always been “presented” to me. Things have
happened to either put me on track or away from the bad
options. This has given me a certain zen-ness when it comes
to my in particular.
Puteri Gunung Ledang was a huge success that people are
still talking about until today. Any plans for another epic,
big scale production like Puteri Gunung Ledang in the near
future?
No definite plans for anything like that for the moment.
Puteri Gunung Ledang was my first film and one that I am
particularly proud of and happy to be associated with. Am
glad it still resonates with people till today.
If you have to choose between a movie or stage play, which
one gives you a higher level of satisfaction?
I actually enjoy both! Honestly, they are both satisfying
in very different ways. That is why I try to alternate films
with plays. One keeps me fresh for the other.
The play Hai Ki Xin Lor (HKXL) is another huge moment in your
career and it is getting a movie adaptation. How involved are
you in the process?
Hai Ki Xin Lor aka You Mean The World To Me is semi-
autobiographical so I guess I am pretty involved. HKXL has
been a real cathartic experience for me and though it is a
very personal story, it has been able to engage audiences, as
proven by the play. I am very happy with the film and hope
it fulfills its fullest potential.
What is the biggest challenge faced as a filmmaker in
Malaysia?
Finding the money for the films we want to make. There’s
actually a lot of work out there but not so much for non-genre
or more personal stories. Filmmakers have a responsibility to
grow the audience for the stories we want to tell.
Is our local film industry making the right amount of
progress at the moment?
Any progress has pretty much been random. A hit here and
there but still no critical mass to turn things around. Finas,
led by Dato’ Kamil Othman, has started introducing measures
to turn our films scene into an industry.
Do you travel a lot for work? Is there any destination that holds
the fondest memory in your heart?
I love travelling. I travel as much as I can, for work or
otherwise. Must say my favourite destinations would either be
Barcelona, New York, Shanghai, Goa, Taipei and ... (smiles).
Sawwith the casts of Hai Ki Xin Lor
aka You MeanTheWorld To Me