The doctor

Pak Budin was the doctor of the 10th Regiment. Ethnic Chinese, Muslim convert, and self-taught physician, he would cure various ailments and injuries through his remedies. Everyone who has seen Apa Khabar Orang Kampung would agree that his interview is certainly one of the most spirited, especially when he would talk about his method of 'korek' (digging) and the unusual (to us) use of 'anak ayam' (chicks).

His legs were once paralysed in battle but he managed to heal them. After that, he could scale mountains. He still went to his farm every morning.

We were sad to learn that Pak Budin passed away last Saturday at the age of 82. He never got a chance to see his interview. But his contribution is there; in fact his is the last voice you can hear on the trailer.

After Pak Kassim, he is the second person in the documentary to die since our interviews were conducted a mere five months ago. Some would say we are haunted! But it's better to just say: Inalillah!

Berlin

Apa Khabar Orang Kampung makes its world premiere next month at the 57th Berlin Film Festival in the International Forum of New Cinema.

This is the same place where Lelaki Komunis Terakhir premiered last year. I couldn't attend last year but I do plan to go this year. Although we are a small documentary, three of the other crew members will be there as well: Hardesh Singh, Tan Chui Mui and Liew Seng Tat.

Here are the screening times:

11 Feb 2:45pm CinemaxX5 (media screening)
12 Feb 8:15pm CineStar 8 (open to public)
13.Feb 3:00pm Cubix 7 (open to public)
14 Feb 12:30pm Arsenal (open to public)

If you are in the area do drop by!

The full Forum line-up has been officially announced. I am looking forward to meeting my old friend Aureaus Solito from The Philippines. He made a big splash last year with his debut film The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros; he is now presenting what the Americans would call his "sophomore pic," Tuli. It's about circumcision. Now why hasn't a Malay filmmaker thought of that before?

Another Malaysian film, Yasmin Ahmad's Mukhsin, will screen in the Generation section (the same one which The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros won last year!). As I have not seen it I will catch it there.

It has also been invited to 2 other festivals but those shall be announced in due time.

Praise the Lord and Baby Jesus!

"Apa Khabar Orang Kampung" trailer

Apa Khabar Orang Kampung is complete and will soon screen overseas, where it is known as Village People Radio Show.

The international trailer:



It was edited by Azharr Rudin.

If a local release can be arranged, perhaps a slightly different one can be made. Who knows?