KUALA LUMPUR: Garang is set to go down in Malaysian film history as the first feature film starring cast members with physical disabilities.
Directed by Kan Varren, it will be screened on Dec 5 in conjunction with the International Day of Persons With Disabilities which falls on Dec 3.
Varren said that he was inspired by the true story and life of former Paralympian, Izam Abdul Hamid who represented the country in wheelchair racing in Japan and South Korea between 1998 and 2005.
“The initiative for this film actually came from producer Dakshina Muriti, who is also the manager of Bengkel Sampul Surat Batu Pahat. He is seeking for funds to build a new hostel for disabled trainees there,” said Varren in a news report today.
Bengkel Sampul Surat Batu Pahat produces envelopes for government agencies.
Varren who grew up with the disabled community there said he wanted to put out the film since there were not many stories on OKUs on the silver screen.
“I hope Garang will receive positive response from movie fans.”
Izam, who is also starring in the film, is joined by fellow actors with physical disabilities such as Ahmad Maembong, Osman Omar, John Elijah and Shukur Abdul Hamid.
The RM1.5 million film also includes Wan Hanafi Su, Pablo Amirul, Chacha Maembong, and Jalil Hamid.