17 August 2009

PETALING JAYA - Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. ("P1"), Malaysia's first and leading WiMAX telco is proud to present, "P1 Malaysian Filmmaker Showcase Presenting 15MALAYSIA ("15MALAYSIA")" – a ground-breaking independent film collaborative work unlike anything ever seen before in the country.

P1's support for the 15MALAYSIA project represents the leading WiMAX telco's underdog brand spirit as well as its desire to create compelling and relevant local content available exclusively online. The 15 independent filmmakers – arguably amongst some of the most talented in the country – have a strong online following. Some have even received international acclaim for their work but are largely unknown to the Malaysian public.

With 15MALAYSIA, P1 hopes that broadband, the Internet and rich media content will provide a solid platform for these directors as well as other talented artists to be seen, heard and recognised in their very own tanah air. The short films celebrate the essence of the 1Malaysia spirit epitomising unity and diversity.

"There is no culture without arts and there is no innovation without creativity. P1 is a brand that embraces creativity and welcomes innovation. This amazing project that we have embarked on with Pete Teo and 15 of the country's most astonishing independent filmmakers epitomises our underdog brand spirit. Through broadband, the Internet and rich media, 15MALAYSIA will unveil the immense hidden talents and creative potential that is prevalent in our country. We are truly inspired to be partners in this project," said Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of P1.

The showcase features an interesting and wide range of styles, treatments, and themes unique to each of the filmmaker. The short films are expected to be a hit and relate well to Malaysians as the filmmakers draw inspiration from the intricate cultural and social fabric that make Malaysia such a diverse nation.

ruumz (www.ruumz.com), Malaysia's most popular home-grown social networking site will be the official online partner and content platform for 15MALAYSIA. In addition to hosting the 15 short films, ruumz will provide other interactive features such as downloads, contests, live chat sessions with the directors, discuss about the film and vote for the most popular films – all exclusive on www.p1.com.my/15my.

15MALAYSIA is produced by Pete Teo, who also produced the country's most successful independent online viral campaign, Malaysian Artists For Unity ("MAFU"). At its peak, the campaign's music video "Here in My Home" was ranked the world's third most viral online video.

Teo looking to repeat, if not, better the success of MAFU with 15Malaysia. In addition, the successful musician-cum-producer is looking forward to the participation and contribution from fellow Malaysians to expand on the 15MALAYSIA project.

"People from all walks of life came together to produce 15MALAYSIA but this is by no means a finished project. We want Malaysians to be inspired, to interact with the films and to go out and make their own short films." Pete Teo commented.

15MALAYSIA boasts a who's who list of local filmmakers, celebrities, actors, musicians and even several political figures who were very happy to contribute their valuable time and effort to support the groundbreaking project.

The filmmakers and cast include the late, great Yasmin Ahmad, Ho Yuhang, James Lee, Tan Chui Mui, Amir Muhammad, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Amber Chia, Datuk Haji Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, Sharifah Amani, Jason Lo, Khairy Jamaluddin, Harith Iskandar, Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Daphne Iking, Tian Chua, Sarah Lian, Serena C, Patrick Teoh, Baki Zainal and Ida Nerina, amongst others.

Each short film in the 15MALAYSIA project will be available free for view and exclusively online. With the easy availability of the films online, P1 and Teo encourage viewers to share and spread the word on the project to as many Malaysians as possible.

The 15MALAYSIA short film will premiere online at www.p1.com.my/15my on 17 August 2009, in conjunction with the first anniversary celebration of P1. For the latest information and updates on 15MALAYSIA, please visit www.p1.com.my/15my or www.15malaysia.com