Emerging markets streaming service iflix has launched its first original documentary, Bangkit: 11 Days That Changed A Nation, which follows the dramatic 11-day campaign leading up to Malaysia’s 2018 election.
The film is narrated by voting station volunteers, journalists, political analysts, activists, members of the public and political party members. It also features archived news footage, social media content and personal videos to recount the campaign that resulted in Malaysia’s long-ruling government being toppled from power.
Held in May 2018, Malaysia’s 14th general election was won by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, marking the first regime change in Malaysia’s democratic history, as the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition had been in power since Malaysia’s independence in 1957. PH leader Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as the country’s Prime Minister on May 10, replacing Najib Razak, who had held power since 2009.
Commenting on the documentary, Mark Francis, iflix global director of Original Programming, said: “Although the mainstay of iflix originals are our entertainment offerings such as premium drama series and stand-up comedy, when we witnessed the real-life drama of the Malaysian general elections unfold before us, we felt compelled to tell its story.
“After all, GE14 was a rare instance of the truth being more remarkable than fiction. As a local video entertainment platform headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, we felt we simply had to bring a story of this national importance to our Malaysian viewers, and to do so in a way that perhaps traditional news broadcasters would not.”
Bangkit director and co-producer, Justin Ong, said: “Working on this documentary has been extremely rewarding as we look back at the moments that lead up to such a monumental election. This documentary goes behind the news coverage to reveal amazing behind-the-scenes stories of how Malaysians rose up together to determine their future.”
Iflix scripted originals include a series based on Indonesian box office hit Magic Hourand gangster drama KL: Special Force.