KUALA LUMPUR: The director of local action film Sheriff: Narko Integriti, Syafiq Yusof, accepts the fact that his blockbuster has failed to gain traction with Indonesian moviegoers after it began screening in 100 cinemas there on May 23.
Syafiq said that he remains positive and grateful for the opportunity given to him even though the film's screening there had been cut short.
In an entry on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, the filmmaker wrote: "Sheriff has not been well received in Indonesia. So, many screenings had been drastically reduced."
He added: "Whatever the case, I am grateful to CGV Cinemas for opening their doors and allowing Malaysian films to be screened there. Thank you, Indonesia."
Local netizens chimed in with their opinions on the matter with many who said that Indonesian audiences had a different preference compared to those from Malaysia.
"They probably have more of a taste for horror movies," wrote one netizen.
Another said: "Their expectations are very high. It's hard to win the hearts of the audience over there."
Sheriff has been doing well locally, with the film's domestic box office collection reaching over RM60.5 million so far.
The very encouraging amount also places the film, produced by Skop Productions and Astro Shaw, as the No.1 local film of this year.
Sheriff stars Zul Ariffin, Syafiq Kyle, Datuk Aaron Aziz, Azira Shafinaz, Elizabeth Tan, and many more.