Local filmmaker Abdul Zainidi is set to represent Brunei Darussalam at the Art Stage Osaka 2024 at the Osaka International Convention Center, Japan, from September 21 to 23.
Known for his strange approach to telling stories, Abdul Zainidi will feature his film Cloud Jacket. Based on a fairy tale, Cloud Jacket tells the story about a protagonist facing difficulties having to confront a monster.
Sick and challenged by darkness, the protagonist’s quest to leave and escape involves friends and family set within an imaginary landscape of talking animals as well as trials of life, more familiar to Bruneians as redha. The protagonist is also hearing-impaired, giving him a different perspective on life.
“I chose to include special needs’ individuals to enhance the deep story mainly about life and death and beyond, while framing it in a Bruneian landscape of symbolism and deeper meaning,” Abdul Zainidi said.
The filmmaker in an interview said, “I am proud to represent the country in the international exhibition and to represent the hearing impaired association because the actors in the film are mainly from the association.”
He added, “I also hope to network with the other artistes and learn the latest techniques and skills in filmmaking.”
Before flying off to Japan, Abdul Zainidi paid a courtesy call on Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru at the Japanese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam.
Art Stage Osaka 2024 is an international exhibition mainly featuring video artworks by artistes from countries who have been recommended by ambassadors and consuls under the theme ‘World Art Osaka – Montage of the Unseen’. – James Kon
