Local film illuminates immigrant struggles and resilience
Being an immigrant in a foreign country often presents significant challenges, from the struggle to earn a living in an unfamiliar economic landscape to the harsh reality of facing racial discrimination. The difficulty of securing stable employment and navigating bureaucratic hurdles can be compounded by prejudice and xenophobia, which further complicate the integration process.
Immigrants frequently grapple with the dual burden of proving their worth in a competitive job market while also confronting biases that undermine their efforts to build a new life.
This complex web of economic and social hurdles underscores the resilience and determination required to overcome the adversities faced in their adopted homeland.
The film Gadong aims to spotlight the challenges faced by migrant workers in Brunei during the pandemic. However, it goes beyond this focus to explore broader themes of life, its impermanence, and the meaning we derive from it.
With its poignant narrative, the film has the potential to become a classic Hari Raya film, striking a chord with audiences during the festive season.
“I created Gadong to illuminate the lives and struggles of immigrant workers in Brunei. Their stories are frequently overlooked, despite their significant role in our society,” said the film’s producer and co-writer Aziz Yoji Ali.
Through this film, he aims to bring their experiences into the spotlight and foster greater understanding and empathy within our community.
His vision is clearly reflected in the film’s heartfelt storytelling and the authentic depiction of the characters’ challenges and achievements.
EMOTIONAL DEPTH
Since its local premiere in April, the film has made a significant impact on the Bruneian film scene. Initially, the trailer hinted at something special, but it was the full viewing of this locally produced film, now available for streaming on RTB GO, that revealed its true depth.
Gadong defied expectations by offering more than a typical drama with humour. Instead, it delivered an emotional journey that surpassed initial assumptions.
At its core, the film explores the dreams of immigrants in Brunei. The storyline centres on Saleem, a barber in Lambak, Bandar Seri Begawan, who runs a barber shop with his partners Raja and Zakaria. All three, originally from India, face the added challenges of the pandemic while nurturing their aspirations of eventually returning home.
However, the film extends beyond their professional struggles to explore themes of responsibility, sacrifice and legacy.
Khai Anwar, who plays Saleem and also co-wrote the script, delivers a powerful performance. His portrayal of a man balancing the weight of his father’s legacy with his own family responsibilities is compelling, especially in a poignant scene with Joel Chinta’s character, Azam.
This movie is exceptionally made and visualised by its director, Riduan Sulaiman. Every scene is well thought out and deeply personal to each character. No screen time is wasted, apart from several B-rolls of Brunei, which are necessary to showcase the country to those unfamiliar with it.
The cinematography captures the essence of Brunei, bringing the local scenery and culture to life on the screen.
Though character development may be limited, each role contributes meaningfully to Saleem’s story. The film’s central message – “Not too little or too much, only what you can handle” – is effectively woven throughout, adding depth to the narrative.
CREATIVE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
When discussing the potential of Brunei’s creative sector, Aziz remarked that the creative industry, especially film, offers significant potential as an alternative revenue stream for Brunei. “By investing in and promoting local talent, Brunei can diversify its economy and present Bruneian stories on the global stage.
“This approach not only generates job opportunities but also enhances our cultural heritage and fosters national pride,” he added.
This perspective highlights that the movie is more than just a film; it represents a crucial step towards developing local talent and sharing Bruneian narratives with the world.
Overall, the film receives high acclaim for its compelling portrayal of resilience and determination. Available on our national broadcaster’s streaming website to watch, this film offers more than just entertainment – it prompts reflection on the often-overlooked struggles of those who contribute significantly to society. – ADIB NOOR
