OPEN air movies will be brought back under the Layar Bestari programme in Penang with the screening of ‘Ola Bola’ to promote national unity.
Sri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid said the concept of this outdoor movie screening that was popular in the 60s and 70s would help bring back the spirit of neighbourliness.
‘Ola-Bola’, a 2016 film reliving the glory days of Malaysian football, will be shown at three different locations, namely at the MBBP market car park in Taman Tun Sardon on Dec 6, Taman Kejiranan Macallum on Dec 7 and Padang Medan Maktab in Pulau Tikus on Dec 8.
All the three free shows will start at 8.30pm.
“I feel it is one of the best ways to foster the Malaysian spirit,” Syerleena told reporters yesterday.
“The world in this 21st century is having less interaction (between neighbours) because everything is digital.
“Having such a programme will bring back the spirit of neighbourliness where everyone can sit together and watch a show.
“This is what we want to encourage. So, bring your family members and friends to the show.”
Also present were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit and Northeast District information officer Lim Miow Juang.
Lee said ‘Ola Bola’ would bring back memories of the national football team’s exploits and how the different players in the team fought for one another to qualify for the 1980 Summer Olympics.
“It is something that can unite everybody because we have the pride. We want to see our team succeed,” Lee said.
The ‘Ola Bola’ film, which was directed by Chiu Keng Guan, was released in the Malaysian cinemas on Jan 28, 2016.
Story & pix by Danny Ooi