Malaysian Cinema in a Bottle: A century (and a bit more) of Wayang

Wayang is the Malay word for film, taken from wayang kulit (Malay shadow play). The term wayang also means a facade and of hidden hands that manipulate while remaining in the shadows. Malaysian Cinema in a Bottle: A Century (and a Little Bit More) of Wayang (wayang means film in Bahasa Malaysia), chronicles the history of Malaysian cinema that began with producers, writers, directors and actors of Indian, Chinese, Filipino and Indonesian origin. Some films are analysed in the context of the socio-cultural and political conditions of their times. There are also comments on those associated with the film industry whose 'wayang' is seen in their capitalistic bent that has brought about an unnerving lack of quality to films and given rise to an unethical 'war' for the hearts and minds of audiences. This book will show the general reader how Malaysian cinema has its roots in the traditions of the oral storyteller, wayang kulit and Malay opera and how these artforms have influenced filmmaking. Film students, lecturers and film scholars will also benefit from many never-before know historical facts and also analysis of films and their storytelling approaches. The digital era brought about the rise of a new generation of socially-aware filmmakers who have made the country's flag fly high internationally. Being in the various languages of the country, Malaysian cinema is 'Malaysia Truly Asia' with its filmmakers simply continuing the storytelling traditions of bygones days.