Ensemble Worldwide, and PETRONAS concurrently released two animated festive films in celebration of Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak as part of the PETRONAS festive films theme of 2020-2021, ‘Our Unique Family’.

Kaamatan is celebrated annually in the state of Sabah throughout May whereas Gawai Dayak is an annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak on 1 June as a thanksgiving to mark a bountiful harvest. 

The films released in conjunction with these celebrations is part of the PETRONAS festive film showcase to include stories of Malaysians, other than the major festive celebrations.

“We were glad to be able to tell these stories of heritage across our different lands (as) iIn the past, stories were passed on orally, from one generation to the next (but) with the passing of time, some of the meaning and messages from these cultural rituals may be lost or fade from memory, and that would be a real shame,” said Executive Creative Director of Ensemble Worldwide Didi Pirinyuang. “We are proud that we have the opportunity to spread the joy of these traditions so all Malaysians can remember, acknowledge and embrace our roots.”

‘Bambaazon’ is a Kadazan Dusun term that  signifies ‘semangat padi’ (Rice Spirit). The film shows an unusual bond of friendship unfolding between nature’s inhabitants – JonJon,  a wild and rare baby red rice plant with his ladybug friends and Si Burong (the bird) as they come face to face with each other. 

‘Manik Panik’ (Manic Panic) tells the story of forgiveness and togetherness as a group of animated Gawai ceremonial items work together to solve the case of a broken necklace and save the day.

“Our ongoing festive film journey has allowed us to reach out with messages of relevance to Malaysians as we navigate the ongoing pandemic,” said PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Group Strategic Communications, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz. “Our timely move into animation has allowed us to progress by innovating the way we tell stories while placing high importance in following SOPs.” 

Almost two years down the road, PETRONAS  has carved out a unique space in festive film animation, creating family entertainment that has been gaining a growing following.”

The PETRONAS festive films’ theme of ‘Our Unique Family’ aims to bring and spread joy to all Malaysians, encompassing family in a larger sense – from the family you know, to the family you discover and to the communities you serve. The films were released on PETRONAS’ official YouTube channel and Facebook page in advance of the festival celebrations.

Watchh ‘Bambaazon’ here:

Watch ‘Manik Panik’ here: