Group photo of the organising committee and volunteers of Raintown Film Festival, highlighting a dynamic team of young people

18 Sep - The first-ever Raintown Film Festival was successfully held at Paragon Cinema, Taiping Mall, from September 13 to 15, 2024.

This three-day event brought local filmmakers and audiences together for a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community. Aulong State Assemblyman YB Teh Kok Lim attended the opening ceremony and praised the return of young talent to their hometown to help develop the creative industry.

The festival's founder, Taiping-born filmmaker Jacky Yeap, said, "I was encouraged by YB Wong Kah Woh and inspired by the 150th anniversary of Taiping City's founding. I feel it is the perfect time to give myself a chance to use my knowledge and skills to contribute to my hometown."

YB Teh Kok Lim (left) with festival founder, Jacky Yeap

The festival opened with "Rain Town", directed by Tunku Mona Riza. Other film screenings included "Ah Kew The Digger" by Khoo Eng Yow, "Rain Dogs" by Ho Yuhang, and "Jagat" by Sun-J Perumal. All these films were shot in Taiping and capture the town's beauty. The filmmakers attended the Q&A sessions and shared their insights with the local audience.

Documentary "Ah Kew The Digger" is directed by Khoo Eng Yow, delving into Taiping's history with the narration of Taiping historian Lee Eng Kew

The producer and director of "Rain Town", Haris Sulong and Tunku Mona Riza (middle).

The festival also featured two film talks. Ansell Tan and Gabrielle Lee shared their production journey of making the documentary "The Forgotten Railway of Kinta Valley", and Kent Tan's workshop, "Everyone Can Be a Director," engaged participants in the filmmaking process.

On the final day, "Taiping's Shorts", a programme featuring six short films by local filmmakers, was showcased, reflecting the festival's commitment to nurturing homegrown stories. Directors Shanjey Kumar Perumal and Isyraqi Yahya participated in the Q&A session, where Isyraqi shared his joy at seeing a festival that highlights local talent and films, which are rarely showcased in his area.

Director Shanjey Kumar Perumal (left) and Isyraqi Yahya (centre) in the Q&A session for "Taiping's Shorts".

In partnership with Raintree Art Market, the festival also held an outdoor screening of the classic "Seniman Bujang Lapok", a black-and-white film by P. Ramlee, at Taiping Lake Gardens. The screening drew curious passersby, creating a communal atmosphere of laughter and nostalgia.

The outdoor screening of the classic "Seniman Bujang Lapok" by P.Ramlee, at Taiping Lake Gardens.

The Raintown Film Festival received support from Member of Parliament for Taiping YB Wong Kah Woh, Pokok Assam State Assemblyman YB Ong Seng Guan, Perak Creative Fund (DKP), Da Huang Pictures, Fiery Films, Shiny Universe Foundation, and various organisations and businesses. Their backing was instrumental in bringing the event to life and highlighting the charm of Malaysian cinema and Taiping town to the public.

Group photo of the filmmakers, audience, and festival team