KOTA KINABALU: The men behind the upcoming flick "Craze Below The Wind" say the film is sure to draw visitors to Sabah.

       The film's producer Chester Pang said the movie is about two siblings who get into mischief and are forced to journey across the state with a mysterious suitcase.

       The 90-minute Chinese feature film produced by Can Bah Production is expected to be released in May, this year following postponements due the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions that were in place since 2020.

       It will be screened in 53 cinemas in Malaysia and Brunei.

       The film's director Chua Soon Min, popularly known locally as Katak Chua, said that the film garnered a positive response during its test showing, with seven out of 10 respondents expressing interest to visit Sabah.

       He noted 52 crew, of which 80% were Sabahans, were hired for the film.

       "We want to promote tourism through the film industry as it can provide job opportunities for locals.

       “We hope Sabah Tourism can work with filmmakers to make the film tourism industry in the state a success,” said Chua, who with Pang and industry players paid a courtesy call on Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

       Can Bah Production is also producing a promotional video ‘Discover Kiulu’ that will be ready by the end of April.

       It will be played at the Sabah International Convention Center here.

       Bangkuai applauded the local filmmakers for their efforts to promote the state and its rural destinations in their work during a meeting to discuss the state's film tourism potential.

       They also discussed plans to showcase Sabah’s charms through movies and the making of a promotional video that would spark tourists' interest in the state.

       “This is a good effort to raise awareness of Sabah's numerous attractions and stimulate people's curiosity about them,” said Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment assistant minister.

       “Kiulu, for example, has been chosen by the state government as a model for rural tourism, alongside Kadamaian. Kiulu will soon have a tourism information centre, where a video clip like this one can be displayed to showcase what Kiulu has to offer.

       “We also hope to see other places featured in film production works. While most rural products are identical, local film producers must also find new attractions to focus on,” he added.