Baga: Esok Untuk Siapa cleared after two-year LPF process

Utusan Malaysia reports that sixteen scenes from Baga: Esok Untuk Siapa were initially ordered cut before the film could receive approval from Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board (LPF). Director Ariff Zulkarnain and the production team appealed, revised the film and eventually reduced the cuts to three scenes.

A difficult clearance

According to Utusan Malaysia, the approval process lasted almost two years because LPF considered several drug-use scenes too realistic and potentially disruptive to public order. Ariff said the team rearranged the story and revised the disputed scenes to preserve the film’s intended message.

Kosmo reports that the film received approval after several rounds of amendments and appeals. The report says the production must include a disclaimer stating that the film does not glorify drug abuse.

According to Utusan Malaysia, Ariff used a social-realist approach because he wanted audiences to feel the unease created by the scenes. He said presenting drug abuse too softly might prevent viewers from feeling its effects.

The film is Ariff’s first feature as a director, according to Utusan Malaysia. The same report identifies it as an Indigo Films production and says it stars Amir Ahnaf and Amirah Razak.

Amir Ahnaf’s preparation

Utusan Malaysia reports that Amir Ahnaf found playing Syazani the most difficult role of his career. He said the character affected him emotionally after filming ended two years ago.

According to the report, Amir studied the effects of drug abuse, including body language, speech and eye movement. He also recorded himself performing the role and repeated the exercise when he could still see his own mannerisms in the performance.

Utusan Malaysia reports that Amir asked his siblings to stay with him because he was afraid of being alone after completing the film. He said the experience later helped him reconnect with himself and learn to value his identity.

According to this site's listings, Baga: Esok Untuk Siapa has not opened yet and is scheduled for release in Malaysia on 5 November. The listings give it a 16 classification and identify Mega and Paragon as the chains that have announced the film. The film is listed in Malay, while its running time is not available.

Readers can check the film's own listings for sessions when they are available.