Made quickly and quietly in just 3 months, it was a little surprising to hear the first thing about "Rise: Ini Kalilah" would be that it is coming to Malaysian cinemas this September for Malaysia Day (16 September 2018), but perhaps it is a story that can't come too soon. While Inspired by the election results of the 14th General Election and could potentially feel like a propaganda film for the new government, it is made up more than that. So here are 5 other reasons why you might want to exercise your democratic rights to watch this film!
The 14th General Election is bound to enter into Malaysian history books when Malaysians decided to elect a new government through the power of democracy. While historians and academics will still need some time to find a proper frame for telling the narrative of GE 14, it's a ripe story subject that will be explored by filmmakers for many years to come. While we weren't expecting one to be made as quickly as "Rise: Ini Kalilah", it will be remembered as the first to tell the story of GE 14 on film.
To reflect the experience of GE 14 from the perspective of Malaysians, "Rise: Ini Kalilah" is being directed by some of the best director from each of the various races in Malaysia. For the Chinese is director Saw Teong Hin of "You Mean the World to Me" and "Puteri Gunung Ledang", Nik Amir Mustapha who directed "Terbaik Dari Langit" brings a story from the Malays, and Indian director Prem Nath, best known for directing "Vere Vazhi Ille" will be directed his own segment for the Indian community.
Just as multiracial as the directors is the cast who play as the everyday Malaysians who voted on GE 14. Leading the Malay cast is Remy Ishak and Mira Filzah. For the Chinese are Jack Tan and social influencer Jenn Chia, and lastly are Sangeeta Krishnasamy and Shashi Tharan who will represent the Indian community. Also rounding up the rest of the cast are Mark O'Dea, Frederick Lee, Sharifah Sakinah and Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan.
Shot in Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom, "Rise: Ini Kalilah" contains six stories told from the perspective of different Malaysians at different points of GE 14. From civil servants who has to choose between family and duty, Malaysians living overseas who want to return home to vote, and even uncovering the truth of electoral malpractice on election day. While these stories are fictional and conceptualised by producer Fred Chong, it comes from a place where everyone can relate to it and perhaps everyone will know where everyone was coming from to cast their vote at GE 14.
For producers Prodigee Film, Filmmaker Studio and WebTVAsia, "Rise: Ini Kalilah" was made to be a tribute to the Malaysians who decided to stand up and vote for change. We have never been prouder to show our inked fingers and solidarity on polling day, and it was the bedrock on which the power of the people come to fruition. This movie is meant for a New Malaysia that we have created, so let's celebrate this new beginning in the cinema and give ourselves a pat on the back for believing in change. 2018 has been a significant year in terms movies that instil our national pride, and hopefully we will have more these movies that celebrates our unity rather than our differences in this new era of Malaysia.