NYONYA Ronggeng, a period movie set in the 1940s to the 1970s, which depicts real and significant historical events in the past, will officially begin its shoot in Penang this month.
Although based on a fictional life story of a Nyonya Ronggeng, named Rose, it was learnt that the movie will be inspired by true events, such as the Sook Ching massacre in Singapore, British Colonialism and the Proclamation of Malaysia in 1957.
Based on a press release by ZLK Production Sdn Bhd, a press conference was held in January 2020 to pre-launch the movie, but due to Covid-19 restrictions then, the movie had to be put on hold.
After more than two years of waiting, the principal shoot is finally set to take place, with most of the shooting spots identified in the northern region.
As for Penang, shooting will happen at several tourist attraction spots, such as Kampung Agung in Penaga, Karuna Hills, Jalan Sungai Pinang and Botanica Mansion in Balik Pulau, George Town Mansion, Muntri Street and Steward Street in George Town, Wawasan Open University and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
According to the release, Penang’s economy is expected to be boosted, especially in Seberang Perai, Balik Pulau and George Town.
Hotels and catering services are key players that are expected to see their businesses skyrocket as 65 crew members and 25 artists will be in town for the film’s shooting for an estimated 45 days.
On March 12, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin visited the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to officiate the lensing ceremony of the movie.
Also present were Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Penang director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang.
The film will be directed by Raja Mukhriz Raja Ahmad Kamaruddin and produced by Ying Li Tan, who also plays the character, Rose, in the movie.
Story by Kevin Vimal