KUCHING: Films could reach more communities through ‘Wayang Pacak’, an open air community film screening initiative that brings movies beyond conventional cinema settings.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative combined community spirit, creative content, technology and sustainability while reviving memories of open air screenings among Sarawakians.
Abang Johari said app based audio technology by Cinewav allowed public screenings to be held in open spaces, enabling audiences to enjoy films in communities, towns and areas with limited access to cinemas.
“This means movies can travel beyond cinema screens and reach communities in public spaces, towns and areas with limited access to cinemas,” he said in his speech delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the opening of the Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGFest) 2026 at Pullman Hotel here today.
He said the screenings also featured Malaysian cinema, including MAFF with GSC in conjunction with its third anniversary, as well as family friendly local content such as ‘Didi & Friends’ by Warnakala.
Abang Johari said creative industry development should not be confined to studios, conferences or exhibition halls, but should also be experienced by the public.
“When we activate public spaces, we activate the local night economy. We create reasons for communities to gather. We support local vendors. We create visibility for local content,” he said.
He said there was potential for ‘Wayang Pacak’ to continue beyond BAGFest through future activations such as the Kuching Light Festival with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU).
The initiative could also be expanded into a wider ‘Wayang Pacak’ tour across Sarawak, including towns such as Kapit through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation’s (SDEC) Digital Innovation Hub network.
“This is how we make creative content more inclusive, by bringing it to communities, not waiting for communities to come to it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said PERKESO’s involvement through its metaverse initiatives was opening new possibilities for digital career opportunities.
He said remote interviews and digital career matching could help local talent connect with potential employers beyond physical boundaries.
“This is important because the future of work is no longer limited by location,” he said.
He said animators, game developers, designers and digital artists from Sarawak could contribute to projects in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Europe or elsewhere.
“What matters is whether we can prepare them, connect them and give them the platform to be seen,” he said.
