10 Oct – Director Raja Mukhriz recently expressed disappointment over the lack of people filling the seats in cinemas to watch his new movie, "Pagari Bulan", despite the many positive reviews from those who have watched the movie. The director, who spoke of his frustration on the app X earlier, stated that he and his team have done their best to create a movie with an international standard, but that they had no expertise when it comes to promotions and distribution.
"I don't want to point the finger at certain parties, but what I see as a weakness is the aspect of distribution and promotion of this film, which did not reach the public. Promotion was also made after the film was about to finish screening," he said.
Raja Mukhriz also stated that the number of screenings has already been decreased by theatres even after just one week of release. "I can't contact cinemas and ask them not to reduce screening slots because that is the responsibility of the distributor. I have tried calling the distributor but they are currently overseas," he said. The movie, which cost RM 2.5 million to make, tells the story of Bulan (Nazeera Sardi), who risks her life to fight against Japanese invaders as young women continue to be abducted to be their comfort women. The movie co-stars Aniq Durar, Alvin Wong, Andy Teh, Trisha Ooi, and Michael Ang.