KUCHING: The story of Sarawak’s first White Rajah, James Brooke, is set to reach cinemas in a locally produced animated film in two years’ time.
The animation will be based on an adaptation of an original musical titled The White Rajah of Sarawak by St Joseph’s Private Secondary School here.
The school’s chief executive officer Christopher Chua said the musical, written by former teacher and principal Father Alvin Ng, was first staged in 2017 and in 2019.
“For us, this play has always been more than just a production. It demonstrates our belief in the transformative power of the performing arts in education,” he added.
Chua said the musical highlighted Sarawak’s history and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, helping students better understand their roots and identity.
The school’s holding company St Joseph Education Bhd signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with local animation studio Motion Foundry Sdn Bhd yesterday to produce the adaptation.
The MOU signing was witnessed by Brooke Trust chairman Jason Brooke, a sixth-generation descendant of the Brooke dynasty and Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) board member Gregory Wee.
Chua said the animation would give the musical a wider reach beyond the school community, extending to audiences not only in Sarawak but beyond.
Meanwhile, Motion Foundry executive producer Amy Khiu said production would begin, starting with character design next week.
She said the 75-minute animated film will follow James Brooke’s arrival in Sarawak in the 1840s before he became the state’s first Rajah.
“This film is not only about him. It is also about the people of Sarawak, their friendships, loyalty, struggle and the moments that shaped our history,” she added.
Director Siew Chung Lee said the animation is scheduled for release in cinemas on July 22, 2028, coinciding with Sarawak Day.
“I think we will have sufficient time to develop the animation but it will take a lot of local talents to work together with us.
“We need to discuss with the original scriptwriter how to sync the essence of the story into an animated film,” he said.
He added that auditions for the cast will be held soon.
