Local elements in animated flick 'Upin & Ipin' reason for winning International award

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25  -- Local elements featured in the animated film “Upin and Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal”, which revolves around ancient Malay folklore are one of the strengths and catalyst for Les' Copaque Production Sdn Bhd to compete with international animated flicks.

Its managing director Burhanuddin Md Radzi said the strength of the film was proven when it won the Best Feature Film Award at the 2019 Montreal International Animation Festival (Animaze 2019), Canada last month.

Burhanuddin said it was the result of a different approach compared to international animation films especially from the West which often highlighted cliche narration.

"We do not follow their style because our animated film has its own story line and I will make sure that this uniqueness continues to be used in the production of Upin & Ipin animated films," he told Bernama after being a guest on Bernama TV's 'The Nation', today.

‘Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal’ directed by Adam Amiruddin, Syed Nurfaiz Khalid Syed Ibrahim and Ahmad Rázuri Roseli tells the adventures of twins who worked with some of the characters of the old Malay folklore such as Mat Jenin, Raja Bersiong, Nakhoda Ragam and Si Tanggang.

After having garnered several awards, Burhanuddin is optimistic about sending the animated film to other selected international festivals.

"Our efforts have not gone wasted and we are poised for a continued success," he said.

The animated film was selected to represent the country to compete with 15 other films from the Asian and Asia-Pacific region including Australia and New Zealand to compete for the gold trophy for the Best Feature Film Awards 2019 (AAA) in Singapore on Dec 5.

The animated film, which premiered on March 21, collected over RM26 million after three weeks of screening in Malaysia and has also been listed for nomination alongside 32 other international animated films for the 2020 Academy Award or Oscars for the Best Animation Film.

"At least we have submitted the entries and if we win it proves local products are also worthy of international stage," Burhanuddin said.

Burhanuddin said the film which cost RM20 million to produce, was also nominated for Best Animated Film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Expo 2019, which will be held in California, USA on Dec 14 and 15.

-- BERNAMA