Origin Films Director Siti Kamaluddin puts the face of Brunei on the big screen.
How did you get started in film?
It was a natural evolution that grew from my love of writing. I started as a researcher, exploring what people like to watch on television. From there, I went into hosting and screenwriting. And I just followed the flow, progressing through the departments and into the film industry.
The opportunity for us here in Brunei is to create whole new platform where there is none. And in doing so, pave the way for fellow Bruneians to take the stage.
What motivates you?
I have a dream that we wake up to our own content—our own stories. Our favourite music will be Brunei music. Our favourite channel will be a Bruneian TV channel. Our favourite movies will be Bruneian – and so will our heroes and heroines. We are a country of creative people. We’re full of poets and writers and I want to showcase Brunei in ways that haven’t been done before.
Each and everyday I focus on my dream, and it motivates me to create local content.
That was how Yasmine, the Movie came about. Made out of love. It was such an honour for us to bring such an unexpected Bruneian tale to the world – at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival or Neuchatel International Fantastic Film.
Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
My father. He really is the best man I know. Resilient and driven, he taught me to follow my dream and have enough guts to change course if need be. That was the impetus for me to move on from my original training in Chemistry.
Describe your typical day.
I don’t have a typical day. Every day is different. Actually it comes with the job, too. Nothing we do is the same every day and that’s just the way I like it to be. The one constant is my cappuccino and butter croissant in the morning. I absolutely have to have them in the morning!
Check her out on IG: @sitikamaluddin
