Kapit, Malaysia: Malaysian Government Launches the Layar Bestari (Outdoor Movies) Program in Kapit

Despite heavy rain, some 5,000 people packed Kapit Town Square in Sarawak, Malaysia for the launch of the Layar Bestari free outdoor film program — a revival of the Wayang Pacak screenings popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Information, the event featured the Malay romantic film I’m Not Single (starring Farid Kamil and Lisa Surihani) alongside documentary films from earlier decades. Actor Farid and director David Teo appeared on stage before the screening.

Minister of Information Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who launched the program, said Layar Bestari was designed as a modern communication tool for rural and suburban communities. “Layar Bestari is to become a national programme to feature local films and build close rapport between the Information Department and the rakyat,” he said.