Petronas launches new webfilm for Kaamatan and Gawai

The webfilm, launched in celebration of the harvest festivals in Sabah and Sarawak, have been shared on Facebook over 1,400 times since its launch yesterday.

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PETALING JAYA: East Malaysians are hailing Petronas for its new festive webfilm “Renai”, a piece celebrating Sabahan and Sarawakian culture while ushering in the festivals of Kaamatan and Gawai.

The webfilm, titled “#PETRONASKaamatanGawai 2016: Renai” has been shared on Facebook over 1,400 times since its launch yesterday.

“Everything good that comes our way doesn’t always come easy,” is the theme of the film, as it tells the fictional story of Renai, a girl whose parents hail from both Sabah and Sarawak, and the sacrifices they make to give her a good education.

Directed by Kuching-born Philip Rom, the webfilm was a month in production.

In a report in the Borneo Post, Rom said he hoped to evoke the feeling of love, which is the root of the film itself and a universal value that everyone can relate to.

“So the idea or the insinuation of harvest in the film itself is not blatant where you see people planting or anything but it is the harvest of the parents because it is her coming back home, successful and having graduated,” said Philip.

It has struck a chord with the public, with Facebook users praising the story for its grounded and authentic atmosphere.

“Tq for thinking of East Malaysia. The storyline is very relevant and close to our hearts,” wrote Facebook user Jude Benjamin Lisa, a Lun Bawang Sarawakian from Trusan, Lawas. “I just can’t wait to go back and celebrate the occasion with family, relatives and friends real soon!”

“Missing my family in Sarawak always! Lots of Love from Australia! Been missing Gawai for last 6 years now. Can’t wait to finish my study. This video is so moving,” wrote Facebook user Tina Benya, another Sarawakian apparently studying at the moment in Australia.

“Trima kasih ptronas…. Selamat ari gawai and Kotobian tadau tagayo do kaamatan kumaa toinsanan….” wrote Facebook user Lee Seon Joon, wishing the general public for both the Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations.

Viewers will be able to see the webfilm starting today on www.petronasofficial.com. A 60-second television commercial version will be aired from May 29 onwards.