SET to be released next year, the action-packed motoring film ‘Malaikat Malam’ (Night Angel) marks the feature film directorial debut of 26-year-old Nazifdin Nasrudin.
Known as Bujoq to his peers, Nazifdin has a background in scriptwriting for successful productions like ‘Sheriff: Narko Integriti’ and ‘Special Force: Anarchy’, and is now taking on a new challenge.
Directing the film was a significant learning curve, especially as it was a joint production between two major companies, Viper Studios and Skop Productions.
“To be honest, directing this film was stressful for me,” Nazifdin said. “I’ve been working with them for five years, so I wondered if I was qualified.”
He took on the project to prove that he could meet their high standards, a challenge he initially felt “intimidated by” but ultimately accepted to ensure the film’s success.
The idea for ‘Malaikat Malam’ originated from a discussion with popular filmmaker Syafiq Yusof to explore the “mat motor” (bike gang) storyline. The project, originally planned as a small collaboration, evolved into a larger production after the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) offered funding.
Nazifdin praised Syafiq for his support and ability to work with a small budget.
The film’s plot centres on a group of teenagers held back by their circumstances, who seek an “angelic presence” to free them from family, financial and relationship constraints.
Nazifdin explained that the film’s title reflects this search for an entity to guide them. Despite the theme, he emphasised that the film offers a positive and meaningful message for the audience.
Filming took 22 days, primarily in Kuala Lumpur, with a short stint in Perlis last month. The cast includes Syafiq Kyle, Tracie Sinidol, Amir Nafis, Juzzthin and Kodi Rasheed.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
