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AUSTRALIAN-based movie producer Rodney Manikam will be visiting his hometown of Penang soon to seek opportunities to collaborate on joint movie productions.
It is a fervent wish for Manikam, who prefers to be called Rod to allow his production house - Rodman Pictures to collaborate with Penang-based producers.
"After over a decade of producing up to ten flocks consisting of six feature films, two short films and two documentaries, it is time for me to venture into Penang.
“I am keen on collaborating with my Malaysian counterparts," said Rod, an old boy from St Xavier's Institution.
He sees vast potential in tapping Penang's unique and diversified heritage base, judging from the warmth the state has earned from its Unesco accreditation as a World Heritage Site.
Rod also sees an area to explore in tapping the George Town - Adelaide sister city status after both metropolitans celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
He added that tourism documentaries are a rave back in Australia.
Rodman Pictures is one of the better movie production houses in Perth and Rod over the years has produced, directed and starred in some of his flicks, which revolve around the crime, horror and comedy genre.
Despite his parents passing away a year apart from each other earlier this year, Rod says that his roots remained entrenched in Penang although he now calls Perth his home owing to the growth of the movie business there.
"Like many Penangites, we yearn to come back and do something in the state which we grew up in and where our character was moulded. As Malaysians, we embrace diversity."
Rod said this in an interview in conjunction with his latest release called "Moorditj".
"The meaning stands for strong," said Rod.
The mainly Aussie cast consisted of Kat Ludley, Liz Narkle, Grace Garnett, Brad Newland and Susan Stevenson.
The director is Mithun Roy Mukkath.
Moorditj is a sci-fi drama about a young woman, who has low self-esteem, and lacks confidence so she experiences a traumatic childhood.
She is the type of person considered as a loner.
"Her journey begins at a beautiful West Australian outback location, we follow her through the start of her journey.
“Very quickly the main character finds herself in a place that is like no other she has ever seen, a beautiful Australian wonderland surrounded by amazing flora and fauna.
“Her tranquil journey is soon hindered by the lack of food, water, and injuries.
“She has found herself in a place that seems to have no exit. "
Rod narrates then that the character encounters an indigenous Spirit Woman.
"Through the course of the character's journey, we follow her through various adventures. We see the Spirit Woman assist her in various ways."
The outcome is that she manages to become a much stronger woman, as she tries to find her way home.
The movie is now being edited and Rod hopes for a big release soon.
Currently also in the pre-production stage is an upcoming film with the title "Agent 51" - a martial arts film.
Rod will be collaborating with a Los Angeles-based film company and a Western Australian production company and the movie will feature upcoming actor Oliver Kang. - The Vibes, November 19, 2024.
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