Penang – Students from the HCUC Diploma in Broadcasting and Bachelor of Communication (Media Production) (Honours) had come together to organise a joint final year project screening event, which showed a total of 18 short films to a massive audience of 500 on 23 July 2023. 

Among the 18 final year projects, the students from the Diploma in Broadcasting group presented 5 short films and 5 public service announcements, while the Bachelor in Media Production students presented 4 short films and 4 TV commercials. The works included numerous genres such as fantasy, romance, musicals, horror and suspense, which kept the audiences satiated and entertained. 

The premiere event was titled, “Le Film Gala“, and took place on Sunday 23 July, from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, at the Prince of Wales Island International School Auditorium in Balik Pulau. The event was co-sponsored by Rofina Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, Mr. Fatty Burger, The Learning Kingdom Education, and other organisations.

During the evening, awards were presented for the most popular short film, voted by the audience, and the best short film, selected by the lecturers. The Diploma in Broadcasting group, “Wi5dom Production” received the Most Popular Short Film award for their work, “4Given“, while the Bachelors in Media Production group, “VVIN Production” won the award for their horror film, “The Marriage”.

Additionally, “7th Sense Production”, which is also a Diploma in Broadcasting group, received the Best Short Film award for their romance film, “Pelangi Abadi Cinta (Borderless Love)“, and “Solarz Production”, who were Bachelor in Media Production students, were honoured with the award for their musical drama “In Mutiara!“.

Mr. Hanafi (from left) awarding the “Most Popular Short Film” award to the “Wi5dom Production” group.

Members of “Wi5dom Production” stated that their work is about the misunderstandings between family members, and the message they wanted to convey was to cherish the opportunities and spend time with the family.

“Thank you (the audience) for liking our work, this award means so much to us.”

Mr. Lee Kian Wei (middle) awarding the “Best Short Film” award to the “7th Sense Production”

Members of “7th Sense Production” explained that their work tells the love story of a transgender sex worker in the 1980s, who falls in love with the male protagonist despite being discriminated against by others.

They said they did not expect to receive this award because the works from other groups were also excellent. However, they are very happy to be honoured with this award.

Mr. Hanafi (from left), awarding the “Most Popular Short Film” award to the “VVIN Production” group.

“VVIN Production” members mentioned that they initially wanted to make a horror film but didn’t want it to be a typical scary movie. Instead, they aimed to explore new themes, which led them to create a work based on the theme of “Underworld Wedding”.

Mr. Lee Kian Wei (middle) giving the “Best Short Film Award” to “Solarz Production” group.

“Solarz Production” members expressed that “In Mutiara!” is a musical drama specific to Penang’s local culture. The story revolves around the protagonist facing the choice between studying locally or going abroad to pursue her dreams while feeling nostalgic for the city. They felt that they could bring the story to life through song, dance, and music, and winning the award made them very happy. They also felt emotional because producing the musical required creating songs and choreography, and everyone in the production team worked very hard.

Raymond Khoo (from left) and Lew Haw Wei (from right) giving the “Best Lecturer Advisor” award to Mr. Lee Kian Wei (middle).

The organising committee also prepared a special award titled, “The Best Advisor Lecturer“, dedicated to the “Le Film Gala” advisor lecturer, Mr. Lee Kian Wei, to thank him for his encouragement and support towards the students.

During his speech, the Bachelors in Media Production class organising committee chairman, Lew Haw Wei, expressed his gratitude towards the lecturers for their support and guidance, which made the event possible.

“I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors. Without their help, this premiere event would not have been possible.”

The Diploma in Broadcasting class organising committee chairman, Raymond Khoo, also thanked all the committee members for taking time out of their busy schedules to prepare for the premiere event and mentioned that the unexpected friendships formed during the preparation process was also something to be cherished.

“I also want to thank our respected advisor lecturer, Mr. Lee Kian Wei, for encouraging, supporting, and guiding the students, making this premiere event a success.”