Behind Every Frame, a Story Untold – Meet the cast and crew of Sinaran Lapok. From back row (left to right): Karen Ann Joseph, Maizul Affendy, Alyssa Faith, Aw Shu Wen, Eva Crisel Stanley; front row (left to right): Sherllyn Sephrenia, Petra Charlotte Boudville, Serena Wong and Adam Low

Ms. Heran Niruba and Mr. Maizul Affendy from the Department of Mass Communication, alongside other contributors, were honoured for their support and contribution to the short film.

Packed house and buzzing with delight – The audience savoured every moment of the screening!

By UOW Malaysia 

In a stunning display of talent and creativity, students from the Department of Mass Communication, UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College hosted a remarkable short film screening at Loft 29, Lebuh Gereja Georgetown recently.

Scores of audience members, alongside numerous distinguished VIPs, convened to witness the highly-anticipated screening of “Sinaran Mutiara” a combination of the two locally-produced short films, namely ‘Sinaran Lapok’ and ‘In Mutiara’, crafted by a group of exceptionally gifted young filmmakers.

Among the VIPs and special guests of the night were Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Finance and Adjunct Member of Parliament for Tanjong, YB Lim Hui Ying, alongside YB Daniel Gooi’s representative, YB Wong Yuee Harng, who serves as the State Assemblyman of Pengkalan Kota and Adjunct Penang State EXCO and YB Teh Lai Heng, the State Assemblyman of Komtar. Adding to the prestigious gathering were Dato Ong Bok Lim JP, the Chairperson of Penang Ong Si Thye Guan Tong, and Mr. Jason Yow, the representative of SunStrong Entertainment.

The short film “Sinaran Lapok,” was produced by Sherllyn Sephrenia Sunny, a student from Diploma in Mass Communication at UOW Malaysia, tells the poignant tale of a mixed-race girl’s journey, with Sherllyn herself portraying the lead character, Ameera. Through the lens of her grandfather’s narrative, she embarks on a nostalgic odyssey down memory lane, seeking to unravel the intricate layers of her own identity.

For Sherllyn, portraying Ameera wasn’t just an acting endeavour; it was a deeply personal connection as she said the character has a lot of similarities with her own life story being a mixed-race girl.

“Growing up I never knew where to fit in and always felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. But over the years, I met a lot of people who are mixed-race like me and I started to appreciate my culture and heritage more,” Sherlyn said.

The short film held another unexpected surprise; Senior Lecturer from the Department of Mass Communication Mr. Maizul Affendy graced the screen, portraying the character of “Atuk”. In reflecting on his experience, Mr. Maizul shared his delight in working with experienced actors and young talents on a project that celebrates Malaysian culture.

“I acted in this movie as it touches on Wayang Kulit, our traditional shadow puppetry which is slowly dying out as the younger generations are no longer interested in this beautiful culture as the result of advancement in technology. However, I’m glad that the same young generation is rising up to produce meaningful content that values our local heritage and culture,” Mr. Maizul said.

It was an undeniably dazzling night. The audience was treated to the full experience of local art, from handcrafted décor to homemade kuih, desserts and beverages. The night was not only about watching a pleasant screening, but creating an experience so unique from start to finish, it has now elevated the standards of local screening events.

To top it off, the Mass Comm Club of UOW Malaysia KDU Penang was honoured to be a part of this unique creation.

And for these talented students, the full house turnout was not just a validation of their hard work, but also a promising sign of the bright futures awaiting them in the world of filmmaking.