Petronas releases Gawai short film ‘Pesan Inik’

KUCHING (May 24): Beautifully shot and exquisitely written, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has released its latest short film for Gawai celebration this year.

Titled ‘Pesan Inik’ (grandmother’s advice), the film encapsulates how grandmother’s five pearls of wisdom serve as a constant reminder for the younger generation of the Iban community to uphold the ‘adat’ and moral values.

What makes Pesan Inik truly special is its innovative approach in blending modernity with tradition which intricately weaves in elements of tradition such as enchanting Iban folk poetry or ‘Leka Main’, and endangered cultural treasures such as the traditional Iban music instrument, the Belikan, and the traditional game of Batak Lampung.

Portraying the vibrant celebrations of the Hari Gawai festivities within a modern longhouse setting at Rumah Panjang Thomas Sigat in Saratok, the story reflects the nation’s diversity as a true melting pot of cultures, drawing social cohesion among Malaysians.

According to Petronas Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Siti Azlina Abdul Latif, the film is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Iban people and their traditions.

She said the story promoted the importance of family values, as well as unity and harmony, which had long been enjoyed by people from all walks of life and backgrounds in the country.

“This year, Petronas is proud to unveil its latest Gawai Film entitled ‘Pesan Inik’. This remarkable cinematic endeavour is not just a film; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the enduring spirit of the Iban community.

“Pesan Inik beautifully encapsulates the essence of Gawai through the lens of a grandmother’s timeless wisdom, embodied in her five pearls of guidance.

“These pearls, symbolic of the Iban’s Adat and moral values, serve as a beacon for the younger generation, encouraging them to uphold their heritage in the face of modernity.

“Even in modernity, it is vital that we hold onto values that keep us united in harmonious celebration. We hope that this literary tradition will remain preserved and be passed on for many generations to come,” she said during the media preview at Cove 55 in Santubong near here tonight.

Also present during the media preview were Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.

Directed by acclaimed director Faizul Jais, the four-minute-six-second-long film is now available for viewing in Petronas’s official Youtube and Facebook pages from today.