The Red Kebaya

Infobox Film
| name = The Red Kebaya


caption = The one-sheet promotional poster.
director = Oliver Knott
producer = Andre Berly
Ramli Hassan
writer = Andre Berly
Ramli Hassan
Oliver Knott
starring = Ramli Hassan
Vanida Imran
Bob Mercer
Samantha Schubert
music = Abbs Abdali
cinematography = Raja Muhkriz Raja Ahmad
editing = Kate James
production_company = L' Agenda Production
distributor = Golden Screen Cinemas
released = November 23, 2006
runtime = 100 min. (approx.)
country = flagicon|Malaysia Malaysia
language = English
Malay
website = http://www.theredkebaya.com/
imdb_id = 0776798

"The Red Kebaya" is a 2006 Malaysian period drama film released by Golden Screen Cinemas, directed by Oliver Knott and produced by Andre Berly and Ramli Hassan. The film premiered in Malaysian cinemas on November 23, 2006.

ynopsis

Latiff (Ramli Hassan) a famous but lonely photographer was orphaned as a small child. He sets out on an expedition to photograph abandoned houses around Malaysia. On his journey he is haunted by images and sounds that remind him of his traumatic childhood. At one particular house on the island of Penang, Latiff is magically transported back over 50 years to witness the shocking events that occurred there. Through his experience, Latiff comes to understand the significance of the Red Kebaya, a traditional Malay outfit, and the tragic circumstances that led to him being orphaned.

Cast

Main

* Ramli Hassan as Latiff
* Vanida Imran as Azizah
* Bob Mercer as John Reynolds
* Samantha Schubert as Davina Reynolds

upporting

* Zahim Albakri as Hoggy
* Sabera Shaik as Amber
* Fauziah Nawi as Makcik
* Elaine Daly as Nurul
* Patrick Teoh as Choong
* Jo Kukathas as Shanti
* Sham Sunder as Maniam
* Paula Malai Ali as Dorothy Chapman
* Stuart Payne as David Chapman
* Mohd Afif Abdul Halim as young Latiff

Production crew

* Producers: Andre Berly and Ramli Hassan
* Original Music: Abbs Abdali
* Cinematography: Raja Muhkriz Raja Ahmad
* Film Editing: Kate James
* Sound Department: Vincent Poon and Alex Thong
* Visual Effects: Jamie Hediger and Michelle Hunt
* Digital Producer: Jonathan Dixon

Production

Principal photography took 35 days, shooting was done entirely in Malaysia. Actor Bob Mercer had only 3 weeks to learn and memorise his lines in Malay.

Initially the owners of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion were reluctant to have their premise used for filming. But after a series of meetings and much persuasion that lead them to better understand the concept of the movie, they finally allowed the crew and cast in.

The film's budget is an estimated RM1.5 million.

Awards and nominations

20th Malaysian Film Festival (2007)
* Best Film
* Best Actress - Vanida Imran (WON)
* Best Actor - Ramli Hassan
* Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Zahim Albakri
* Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Samantha Schubert
* Best Sound Effects - Addaudio Ex. (WON)
* Best Costume Designer/ Garment - Shamsu Yusof (WON)
* Best Poster (WON)
* Best Cinematography - Raja Mukhriz Raja Ahmad Kamaruddin
* Best Original Music Score - S. Atan
* Best Original Theme Song - S. Atan

External links

* [http://www.theredkebaya.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.suanie.net/2006/11/20/the-red-kebaya-a-sentimental-contemporary-malaysian-story/ Review: A Sentimental, Contemporary Malaysian Story]
* [http://www.monsterblog.com.my/2006/11/23/the-red-kebaya/ Review: The Red Kebaya]