Kuala Lumpur, 19 August 2016 – It has been an interesting year for the local film industry, garnering praise and strong support from local moviegoers. These inspiring accomplishments have motivated filmmakers to push the creativity envelope in producing films in different genres.
The strategic partnership between Astro Shaw, Ideate Media, Grup Buku Karangkraf and Layar Sunan have resulted in Tombiruo, a film based on the popular thriller novel, Tombiruo: Penunggu Rimba written by Ramlee Awang Murshid. This film adaptation is also supported by National Film Development Corporation Malayisa (FINAS), Malaysia’s film development agency.
Najwa Abu Bakar, Head of Astro Shaw said, “Tombiruo marks Astro Shaw’s first partnership with Ideate Media, Grup Buku Karangkraf and Layar Sunan. We are excited to work alongside an international and local team comprising highly qualified and experienced production crew and artists. It was truly an amazing honour to work with not one, but two renowned directors – Nasir Jani, a Malaysian who previously directed Kembara Seniman Jalanan and Rozana Cinta 87, and Seth Larney, whose film credits include Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolution, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Superman Returns and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. While Nasir Jani focuses on art direction, Seth Larney will direct action scenes and visual effects. We look forward to more exciting collaborations with our partners in the future.”
The action packed movie boasts a talented cast line-up led by Zul Ariffin, Farid Kamil and Nabila Huda. Tombiruo commenced filming on 31 July throughout Klang Valley and Sabah, with a special focus on the famed flora and fauna unique to Malaysia.
Zainir Aminullah, Chief Executive Officer of Ideate Media said, “Tombiruo marks Ideate Media’s maiden venture into local production. As a content company, Ideate Media aspires to raise the bar of content development and production in the region. Matching our international slate including our current production with AMC Studios and IDW Entertainment, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency for BBC America and Netflix, Tombiruo, in our opinion, has a solid storyline with a unique combination of action scenes, dramatic characters and stunning visuals.”
Firdaus Hussamuddin, Executive Publisher of Grup Buku Krangkraf stated, “Tombiruo is one of Ramlee Awang Murshid’s best-selling novels and it features unique elements which are not common in thriller novels. First published in 1998, more than 1.2 million copies of the Ramlee’s series of novels have been sold nationwide. ”
Ramlee Awang Murshid, novelist of Tombiruo: Penunggu Rimba and representing Layar Sunan said, “I am delighted that Tombiruo has finally made it to the silver screen. There were other offers in the past but I’d rejected them as I have high expectations when it comes to novel adaptations. I am pleased to work with Ideate Media, Grup Buku Karangkraf and Astro Shaw as I am confident with their combined experiences and commitment in ensuring a high quality adaptation.”
Tombiruo is expected to hit nationwide cinemas in 2017. For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/tombiruomovie or Astro Shaw’s Facebook, Twitter, Instragram or YouTube channel. Hashtag #tombiruo, #tombiruomovie and #penunggurimba to share news about the film.
Introduction of Astro Shaw as the Producer, Investor and Distributor and Marketing Agency
Astro Shaw is a Malaysian film production company which produces movies for the local and regional market. Since its establishment in 1996, Astro Shaw has produced more than 80 films in the Malay, Chinese and Tamil languages. Some of Astro Shaw’s notable titles are:
- OlaBola (2016) – Box office collection of RM16.56 million
- Polis Evo (2015) – Highest box office in Malaysia of RM17.74 million
- Terbaik Dari Langit (2014) – Best Film & Best Actor, ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards (AIFFA)
- The Journey (2014) – Highest box office of Malaysia in 2014. Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Non-Malay Film, 27th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM27)
- Husin, Mon dan Jin Pakai Toncit (2013) – Highest box office collection in 2013
- Maindhan (2014) – The highest grossing Malaysian Tamil Movie of all time
- Penanggal (2013) – Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Special Makeup Effect, Best Costume, Best Production Manager, 26th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM26)
- Berlari Ke Langit (Running To The Sky) (2004) – Best Cinematography, 49th Asia Pacific Film Festival
- Nafas Cinta (Breath of Love) (1999)– Astro Shaw’s debut film
Please see www.astroshaw.com.my for more information on Astro Shaw.
Introduction of Grup Buku Karangkraf as the Producer and Investor
Grup Buku Karangkraf is the largest Bahasa Melayu publisher in Malaysia and it is helmed by the flagship entity Karangkraf Media Group.For almost 40 years, the books published by Grup Buku Karangkraf have been the first choice among Malaysians. Grup Buku Karangkraf has published a wide variety of subjects across more than 1,000 topics and is commited to work with the best authors in Malaysia.
Grup Buku Karangkraf comprises three brands including Alaf 21, Buku Prima and Karya Bestari. Alaf 21 is the most establised brand and it has published many popular novels, art and recipe books. Buku Prima has also published a variety of children and teenagenovels while Karya Bestari publishes Islamic and religious books.
Introduction of Layar Sunan as the Production Company
Layar Sunan Sdn Bhd is a production house founded by Ramlee Awang Murshid and his friends in 2010. The name Layar Sunan originated from one of the most beloved characters in his novels, Laksamana Sunan, a great warrior and sailor Layar Sunan’s logo was inspired from one of his novels and it symbolises a polyp – a pre-historic flying creature that was believed to exist before humans.
Layar Sunan aims to expand the creative works of Ramlee Awang Murshid to other mediums, such as films. Tombiruo is the first production for Layar Sunan and it hopes to adapt the novels of Ramlee Awang Murshid into other creative executions.
