New From Azharr

Here at KLue, we’ve been following filmmaker Azharr Rudin’s career for a while now. Director of the well-received The Amber Sexalogy series of shorts, Azharr now moves on to the next logical step: his first feature-length film which will be shown at the GSC International Screens come 25 September. Entitled Punggok Rindukan Bulan (or This Longing), the film is about a young boy, Sidi (Saeful Nazhif Satria), and his father Adman (Sharonizam Noor) who are both struggling to cope with the sudden absence of their mother and wife (Maya Karin). Filmed entirely in Johor Bahru with many scenes shot at the now-demolished Bukit Chagar flats, Punggok Rindukan Bulan was also produced by Amir Muhammad and Tan Chui Mui (executive producer). We caught Azharr in the little free time that he has for a quick Q&A.

You’re from JB. Is that why you decided to shoot the film there? And what is the significance of Bukit Chagar flats to you?
It’s the first thing I worked on that’s directly related to my hometown. I think it’s always good to go back or look back, especially if it’ll somehow help you to move forward. And unlike, say, in the US or closer to home, Indonesia, a lot of things here are quite KL-centric. KL is not to be mistaken for a country. Bukit Chagar flats is like a dear old friend. It had always been an integral part of the city landscape. You could even use it as a watch tower. A major portion of JB could be seen from the top floors of the flats and you could see even as far as Woodlands in Singapore. But to some people, “small men” don’t belong at such an exclusive address.

What was the experience like, directing your first feature-length film? Biggest challenges?
If making movies can be compared to a romantic relationship, then a feature film is somewhat akin to a long-term relationship. Technically, space was also quite an issue while we were shooting at the flats. Each flat unit was a crammed single bedroom flat. Our movement became limited, not necessarily for the worse. It took us a while to adapt - or in my case re-adapt - to the location. I could only imagine the complexities of raising a big family in such small place.

What was the inspiration behind the story?
The flats, first and foremost. Its geography. And how the flats become and entry point to a short history of people and their environment. Also, an image of a worn out man in his 50s, standing next to his lorry - maybe he’s cleaning the rear mirror or manually wiping the mist off the windshield - while a Malay oldie plays on the lorry radio – and maybe he sings along to the tune too. And you can see the moon illuminates, far off in the background. It’s easy to be inspired when we tune in.

How do you feel as the film's release date draws closer?
Mixed-feelings. In any case, I’m quite thrilled to set PRB free.
 

Punggok Rindukan Bulan will be out this 25 September at GSC International Screens - go catch it!

Text Sarah Chan