KUCHING: Sarawak is proud that its singer-songwriter cum sape player Alena Murang and her cousin Sarah Lois Dorai, have put Malaysia on the international music scene despite it being a competitive industry.
State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Alena's latest music video, Warrior Spirit, had garnered the Best Asia & Pacific Music Video and was also selected as Honourable Mention for Best Costume awards at the recent International Music Video Awards in the United Kingdom.
The music video released on May 27 on YouTube, was produced by the same team behind Alena's award-winning 2019 music video Midang Midang. It was directed by Sarah, and co-produced by Kanid Studio and Project Room.
"I would like to congratulate the two talents and thank you for making us proud... It (award) shows that they are capable of using music and creative film making as the platform to showcase the rich tradition and cultural heritage of Sarawak," he said in a statement.
"The music video was wonderfully done and the storyboard was mesmerising to the viewers while capturing their imagination on how interesting the state is, especially of its past history, rich culture, arts and traditions," he added.
Karim was impressed with their creativity in taking inspiration from the diverse ethnic cultures, traditional dances and colourful costumes in Sarawak which were showcased in the entire video that had related the spirit of local warriors, their strength and courage in fighting together for a bigger cause.
The work was also chosen as an Official Selection at the New York International Film Awards and a semi-finalist for Best Film at the 2021 Los Angeles Film Awards.
"They haed indeed inspired more local youths in the music, creative and film making industry which offers limitless possibilities for the young generation to showcase their talents," Karim said.