Synopsis
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Penang Street lay quiet and empty. As murals came to life, Azam, a dedicated food delivery rider, was accompanied by his very own creations: the Three Murals - "Pahlawan Nasi Lemak", "Rojak Man", and "Kapten Cendol". These animated characters followed Azam on his rounds, aiding him in delivering food to locals and helping those in need, thus making a positive impact on the community.
Description
Our first short film, 'The Muralz', with a runtime of 24 minutes, tells touching and inspiring stories that celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences of individuals from different races and cultures in Malaysia. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film takes viewers on an emotional journey, exploring the everyday struggles of people navigating life during challenging times.
At its heart, 'The Muralz' is a heartfelt celebration of Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry through the hero murals of Azam, depicting a vibrant array of local foods. This visual feast not only highlights Malaysia's diverse cuisine but also serves as a powerful symbol of cultural identity. The film aims to promote unity and understanding by showcasing multiracial harmony and mutual respect among its diverse characters.
Visually striking, 'The Muralz' offers a unique visual world that blends 2D mural characters with 3D environments and human characters, creating a dynamic cinematic experience that immerses viewers in a vivid and engaging narrative. This blend of art styles enhances engagement and underscores the film's narrative depth, making it a compelling showcase of Malaysia's cultural richness and universal themes of empathy and solidarity.
The film has garnered acclaim on the international stage, receiving multiple awards from prestigious film festivals worldwide. In collaboration with esteemed partners such as Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), supported by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), 'The Muralz' premiered during the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) 2023. It was showcased alongside six other locally produced short films, further elevating the local movie landscape through GSC's International Screens initiative.
'The Muralz' not only entertains but also invites audiences to contemplate a future shaped by kindness and solidarity. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and inspiring positive change, reflecting both local Malaysian culture and universal values.
Awards
Award Winner
- Cannes World Film Festival - Best Animation Film
- Rome International Movie Awards - Best Animation
- Madrid International Movie Awards - Best Animation & Best First Time Director
- European Cinematography AWARDS (ECA) - Best Animation Film
- 2024 ARFF Berlin // International Awards - Best Short Film & Best Animation & VFX (Honorable Mention)
- Latitude Film Awards - Best Animation Short
- Halicarnassus Film Festival - Best Short Animation Film
- Barcelona Indie Awards - Best Animation Short Film
- F3: Queen City Film Festival, Film Curation, & Film Awards - Best Short Animation & Best Short
- Castiellë Soulplace Film Festival - Best Animation
- Dresden Cinema Awards - International Film Festival - Best Animation Short
- Cuckoo International Film Awards - Best Animated Short Film & Best Director
- Zepstone International Film Awards - Best Animated Film
- Dreamz Catcher International Film Festival - Best Animated Films
- Animation Screenings Film Festival Striped Tale - Best Short Animation
- South Film and Arts Academy Festival - Best Animation Short Film
Official Selection
- London Director Awards - Director Animation Film
- Madrid Fiesta Film Award - Best Animation
- Bahia Independent Cinema Festival - Animation Short
- Independent Hungarian Film Festival (Független Magyar Filmszemle) - Short Movies
- Director Talents Movie Awards - Animation
- SydFest Independent Film Festival - Short Film
- Diamond Star Penang International Film Festival - Best Short Film
- Palm Springs Animation Festival - Best Animated Short
- Push Play Animation Film - Best Animated Film
Synopsis
"The Muralz: Year of The Flying Dragon” is a heartfelt 7-and-a-half-minute 2024 Chinese New Year video presented by Rawr Pictures, in collaboration with the Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) and Penang Global Tourism. Following the success of its predecessor, "The Muralz," which garnered acclaim and awards at international film festivals, this sequel continues our tradition of captivating storytelling and innovative 2D and 3D animation techniques.
Set against the culturally vibrant backdrop of Penang, Malaysia, during the auspicious Year of the Dragon, our narrative centers on Tong Tong, eagerly awaiting the return of his father, Mr. Wong, named ‘Wong Fei Long’, which translates to ‘Flying Dragon’ in English. Mr. Wong, a dedicated chef working abroad, holds a pivotal role in the story. Tong Tong's admiration for his father's signature dish, the ‘Flying Dragon Char Koay Teow’, not only symbolizes culinary excellence but also underscores the deep familial bonds they share. Through magical moments, the ‘Flying Dragon Char Koay Teow’ mural comes alive, accompanied by other mural characters, culminating in a heartwarming family reunion during Chinese New Year festivities.
"The Muralz: Year of The Flying Dragon” offers a dreamlike exploration of Chinese New Year traditions, emphasizing themes of family unity and cultural pride. The film intricately weaves together elements of magical realism and cultural authenticity, portraying the enduring bond between Tong Tong and Mr. Wong amidst Penang's festive atmosphere. This poignant portrayal serves to entertain and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for Malaysia's rich cultural heritage and celebrating the universal values of family appreciation and unity.
Description
“The Muralz: Year of The Flying Dragon” has achieved remarkable success, with over 350K views and an impressive 12K likes on YouTube within just 2 months! Furthermore, "The Muralz: Year of The Flying Dragon” has earned Platinum Awards in the MUSE Creative Awards 2024 for the “Animation”, “Tourism”, and “Cultural” categories. Hosted by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the MUSE Creative Awards received over 8,500 entries from across the globe, affirming its position as a prestigious program honoring creative and design professionals.
Winner’s Profile for the Animation Category:
https://museaward.com/winner-info.php?id=229117
Winner’s Profile for the Cultural Category:
https://museaward.com/winner-info.php?id=229118
Winner’s Profile for the Tourism Category:
Synopsis
Introducing our original 2D animated series, “RAWR ‘n’ ROLL”, specifically designed for preschool children. Seamlessly blending education and entertainment (edutainment), “RAWR ‘n’ ROLL”, brimming with delightful original children's songs, imparts valuable moral values and life lessons that little ones can easily relate to.
Description
“RAWR ‘n’ ROLL” is offered in three languages: Malay, English, and Mandarin. “RAWR ‘n’ ROLL” Season 1 is now available for viewing on our YouTube channel (English only) and Durioo+ (Malay, English, and Mandarin), a Malaysian streaming service for children’s education shows. In addition, our series has been embraced by audiences across China, through various streaming platforms. The enthusiastic response from fans, including parents and teachers, has been positive, as we continue to produce Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of “RAWR ‘n’ ROLL”. Moreover, we are really excited to share that our awesome theme park in Shenzhen, China, will be opening sometime between Q3 and Q4 of 2023!
