NATIONAL Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairman Kamil Othman has suggested that the independent film “Pendatang’” be screened in schools. 

He said the film could encourage meaningful conversations about biases.

“(Pendatang) should be screened at schools to invite discussions and dismantle deep-seated perceptions and prejudices. Small steps towards a desired destination,” he said yesterday on X.

The dystopian thriller is set in a fictional Malaysia where the different races are not allowed to mix.

The story begins when a Chinese family moves into a house and discovers a Malay girl hiding there, putting them in a moral quandary as to whether to evict her or try to smuggle her back to the Malay section.

The film is screening on YouTube to preempt censorship attempts.

But Kamil was optimistic that the film would be approved by the Film Censorship Board (LPF).

“I can’t speak on behalf of LPF but looking at the film objectively, some leeway might be possible,” he said in reply to another user on X.

The movie, which was fully crowdfunded, has gained more than 315,000 views since it premiered on Thursday.

The film is directed by Ng Ken Kin. – December 25, 2023.