AFTER the success of inspirational drama film Adiwiraku in 2017, director and scriptwriter Jason Chong returns with another feel-good story about a noble teacher and a group of at-risk pupils — this time, with a sports angle.
Gemencheh Boys is based on the early life of national cricketeer Shafiq Sharif, who was part of the Malaysian team that won a gold medal at the 2017 SEA Games and represented the country at the Cricket World Cup Challenge League A tournament in 2019.
In the tale of friendship, sacrifice and hope, discipline teacher Cikgu Azmin is given the task of training six problematic primary school pupils from Felda Bukit Rokan Utara in Gemencheh, Negri Sembilan to play cricket.
Dubbed Enam Jahanam, the boys go through an emotional journey from humble beginnings in a rural village to heart-warming success.
"It was apparent from our first meet with Shafiq, who explained their relationship with Cikgu Azman, that this was a special story," said Chong.
"I remember how intrigued my co-writer and I were while doing our research on how a teacher with no prior knowledge of cricket could inspire a group of Felda kids who would eventually excel at an international level.
"After meeting Cikgu Azman and spending a day with him, I fell further in love with his beautiful story."
Chong, who won Best Original Story at the 29th Malaysia Film Festival for Adiwiraku, added that he felt blessed to be able to share the amazing story with people via the film.
"This project is like a dream come true as it is an inspirational tale that will bring a positive impact to the audience.
"The highly entertaining movie is filled with colourful characters and scenes based on things that really happened.
"I believe that anyone can appreciate this film, not just sports or cricket fans. I can proudly say that this is one of my best projects to date."
Just like Adiwiraku, Gemencheh Boys is an earnest film with heart.
"It's about transformation and how someone can create a positive change in others by giving them hope and confidence. I hope this film will inspire people to believe in themselves."
Shot in 2019, the film is supported by the Malaysian Cricket Association and the Youth and Sports Ministry.
Actor Mohd Iznan Ibrahim, better known as Pekin, didn't take long to say yes to playing Cikgu Azman.
"The script was great and as an actor in Malaysia, it's hard to find scripts that challenge us. So I said yes and took my time to fully delve into the character," he said.
The 42-year-old praised the young cast of actual Felda youngsters who were new to acting.
Portraying the Enam Jahanam group of friends were Aqil Yaya as Shafiq, Syed Ahmad (Rashid Ahad), Ayiet Harith (Fauzi Ariffin), Kimi Norais (Amin Ramly), Izzue Deen (Sukri Tasip) and Amir Kuziq (Azad).
"Their portrayal of the characters was honest and authentic, which was challenging for me as I had to make sure that I was natural as well and not merely 'acting'.
"It was a good experience for me and they all did really well," said Pekin of his mostly 16-year-old co-stars who were coached by veteran actress Datuk Fauziah Nawi.
Produced by Astro Shaw with GV Corporate Advisory and SOL Pictures, Gemencheh Boys is co-directed by Eric Ong and also stars Datuk Ahmad Tamimi Serigar, Zaidi Omar, Farah Ahmad, Kamal Rezuan and Ieda Moin.
It opens in cinemas nationwide today.
