Ensemble Worldwide Malaysia and PETRONAS round off festive May with animated films
Ensemble Worldwide Malaysia and PETRONAS have released two animated festive films in celebration of Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak as part of the PETRONAS festive films theme of 2020-2021, ‘Our Unique Family’.
Kaamatan, a form of the harvest festival, is celebrated annually in the state of Sabah, and lasts the whole month of May. Gawai Dayak is an annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak on 1st June as a thanksgiving to mark a bountiful harvest. This is part of the PETRONAS festive film showcase to include stories of Malaysians, other than the major festive celebrations.
Didi Pirinyuang, Executive Creative Director of Ensemble Worldwide, said: “We were glad to be able to tell these stories of heritage across our different lands. In the past, stories were passed on orally, from one generation to the next. With the passing of time, some of the meaning and messages from these cultural rituals may be lost or fade from memory, and that would be a real shame. We are proud that we have the opportunity to spread the joy of these traditions so all Malaysians can remember, acknowledge and embrace our roots.”
‘Bambaazon’ is a Kadazan Dusun term to signify ‘semangat padi’ (Rice Spirit). The film shows an unusual bond of friendship unfold between nature’s inhabitants – JonJon a wild and rare baby red rice plant with his ladybug friends and Si Burong (the bird) as they come face to face with each other.
‘Manik Panik’ (Manic Panic) tells the story of forgiveness and togetherness as a group of animated Gawai ceremonial items work together to solve the case of a broken necklace and save the day.
PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, said: “Our ongoing festive film journey has allowed us to reach out with messages of relevance to Malaysians as we navigate the ongoing pandemic. While the web animation centres on the festivals of Gawai and Kaamatan, it also carries messages of hope from PETRONAS, urging Malaysians to keep the faith for a better tomorrow during this challenging time. We can overcome this together.”
“Our timely move into animation has allowed us to progress by innovating the way we tell stories while placing high importance in following SOPs. Now, almost two years down the road, we have carved out a unique space in festive film animation, creating family entertainment enjoyed by all and a growing following.”
The PETRONAS festive films’ theme of ‘Our Unique Family’ aims to bring and spread joy to all Malaysians, encompassing family in a larger sense – from the family you know, to the family you discover, and to the communities you serve. The films were released on PETRONAS’ official YouTube channel and Facebook page in advance of the festival celebrations.
Credits
Kaamatan:
Felicia and Lorrypop Studios team
Real Time studio
Gawai:
Quek Shio Chuan & team
Detouche
Maveriq Studios
