Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa

Report: Berlin

March 1, 2010 - More positive developments have been observed for KRU Studios’ action / epic film, Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa also known as ‘The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines’. At the recent European Film Market (EFM), held from February 11 – 21, not only was great interest shown by international distributors towards the film, but The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines also managed to garner sales in numerous countries.

To date, the film’s rights have been sold to United Kingdom (Metrodome), France (F.I.P Distribution), Germany (Ascot Elite Entertainment Group), Russia (Daro Film Distribution) as well as 22 other countries in the territory of the Middle-east (Gulf Films). This etches another record, with The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines being the first Malaysian production to be distributed extensively in the international arena, and thus far the most successful local production in terms of export revenues.

Chief Executive Officer of Epic Pictures, (based in Beverly Hills, USA) Patrick Ewald, who is KRU Studios sales agent, said that the extraordinary interest towards The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines has been made possible with the help of the film’s marketing materials including its trailer and 8-minute action sequence, which showcases a top notch action production, CGI action and world-class production set. “We are confident that The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines will be able to capture an even wider group of international distributors upon completion, especially when the film is further marketed at the Cannes International Film Festival and American Film Market during May and November this year, respectively,” said Ewald.

The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines Director, Yusry A. Halim said the success of this film is attributed to the dedication and efforts of the entire production crew, comprising of more than 300 people. “I hope this positive development will lead to further successes for the film in the future. I also hope that this will pave way for other Malaysian productions to make it in the international arena,” he said.

Featuring local and foreign stars in the film, The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines is further enhanced with martial arts choreography from Hong Kong.

KRU Studios would also like to express their gratitude towards the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovative (MOSTI) whose ‘e-content’ fund has helped defray its production cost of the feature film. The availability of this fund has assisted KRU Studios to create the world class action / epic film, The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines.

The production of The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines is expected to be completed in June 2010, and premiere screenings are scheduled to take place at end of this year. For more information, please log on to www.krustudios.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hasCIdPpsw