KUCHING: Sarawak’s rich culture and unique landscapes offer huge potential for local filmmakers to develop creative content that can promote the state both domestically and internationally.
In stating this Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, expressed strong support for local film productions to market Sarawak’s tourist attractions and cultural heritage.
He said this to reporters at the premiere of Space Between, a short film by Twenty One Ways at TGV Cinemas, Vivacity Megamall today.
“I think one of the genres that would work well here is horror. We have so many old places and stories that could be adapted into horror films, which would also allow us to showcase our culture. Imagine we have 34 ethnic groups, each with its own terms, traditions, and ancient elements that could be portrayed in films.
“Besides that, we also have landscapes suitable for films like Apocalypto, The Hobbit, or The Lord of the Rings. We can do something very interesting though it requires some boldness and technical expertise like CGI.
“But I believe Sarawak has many young talents that we can nurture and support. Who knows, one day we might become the Hollywood of the region, producing captivating films in the future,” he added.
He also pointed out that in Indonesia, the creative economy contributes around RM220 billion to the country’s GDP, while the creative sector in Southeast Asia is valued at approximately USD 1.5 trillion.
He said that Sarawak should build its creative industry step by step to eventually become a significant contributor to the economy.
“Our Premier is very far-sighted that’s why the ministry has three elements: tourism, creative industry, and performing arts. The latter two create products that eventually become tourism products. For example, without music, there would be no Rainforest World Music Festival as a product. Similarly, when our Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is completed, it will host many international events, becoming an attraction by itself,” he said.
He added that it is important to foster the creative and performing arts sectors as vital components of Sarawak’s tourism strategy.
