LATEST

Unveiling Shadows: “Kulit Wayang” Brings Myth, Mystery, and Culture to Life

A Grand Celebration of Tradition and Storytelling: ‘Kulit Wayang’ Officially Launched at Cultural Festival in Sungai Besi

The highly anticipated film Kulit Wayang made its official debut at the vibrant Kulit Wayang Cultural Festival @ KL Base, Sungai Besi, in an unforgettable two-day celebration. Blending cinema with culture, the event brought together a 3km celebrity fun run, traditional games, a dance competition, and the much-awaited trailer premiere, culminating in a movie launch that was anything but ordinary.

Produced by Mico Studio (M) Sdn Bhd, Kulit Wayang is the brainchild of producer Nevin Hiong, with co-production by Penny Chan of EMT Ventures Sdn Bhd. The festival’s opening evening saw the presence of esteemed director Dain Said and an exciting cast led by celebrated Malaysian actors Fattah Amin and Pekin Ibrahim, alongside Indonesian stars Reynavenzka Deyandra and Jenna Kamaratih, and renowned local Chinese actress Amanda Ang.

“We didn’t want to launch this film in a typical press-only setting. We envisioned a cultural celebration that brings people together and shines a spotlight on our shared heritage,” said Penny Chan, who also spearheaded the festival. “Kulit Wayang is more than a film, it’s an experience that connects communities through storytelling.”

Set against the backdrop of a remote 1980s Malaysian coastal village, the film follows the story of Ramlee, or Pak Lee, a misunderstood recluse whose mysterious past is intertwined with the fading art of wayang kulit. When Indonesian researcher Dian and her daughter Dewi arrive to document the village’s shadow puppet traditions, they unwittingly set off a haunting chain of events that unearth old wounds and awaken forgotten spirits. Dewi’s bond with the silent Ayu and her discovery of Pak Lee’s world unlocks a powerful journey into grief, memory, and redemption.

“This film took nearly a year to shoot, and it’s been a passion project from the start,” shared Fattah Amin. “It honours our culture and delivers its message in a captivating, creative way.”

For Pekin Ibrahim, returning to work with director Dain Said was a homecoming of sorts. “Dain has an uncanny ability to take cultural themes and shape them into something both artistic and entertaining. Kulit Wayang is no exception it captures the spirit of our traditions and the soul of the East Coast beautifully.”

Dain Said, best known for Dukun and Bunohan, once again draws viewers into a mystical realm of folklore and emotion. He explained, “Kulit Wayang is our modern-day branch story a fantastical tale rooted in the ancient trunk of the Ramayana. It explores grief, love, and the healing power of storytelling through the lens of Malay folklore.”

The director was inspired by his childhood memories of listening to tales by the beach and wanted to rekindle that imaginative spark in audiences, especially among children. “We lose something essential when we forget our traditional stories. With this film, we aim to remind the younger generation of the magic of imagination and of wayang kulit.”

The film’s cast also includes Wan Zulkifli, Farra Zohra, and Zul Zamir. The screenplay was written by Dain Said, Ben Omar, and Nandita Solomon, based on an original concept by Nevin Hiong. Music is composed by Yudha Kobayashi, enhancing the film’s emotional depth.

The event also featured the screening of the official trailer and a special live wayang kulit performance by Fattah Amin and Pekin Ibrahim. Fans and influencers later had the opportunity to meet the stars during an exclusive meet-and-greet session.

Backed by FINAS and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Kulit Wayang also enjoys the support of over 40 sponsors and brand partners including Surewin Entertainment, Halo Optical, Beauterfly International, Spritzer, and Fusion Snacks Global, among many others.

Audiences can catch Kulit Wayang in over 50 cinemas across Malaysia starting 1 May 2025.

In related news, it was announced that the Malika Music Festival 2025, initially planned as part of the cultural festival, has been postponed to 31 May 2025. The updated lineup promises a bigger celebration featuring Indonesia’s rock legends Nidji, Malaysia’s punk favourites Bunkface, and indie heroes OAG.