Rotterdam Selection ‘Fire on Water’ Examines Malaysian Tamil Cinema, Trailer Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Malaysia‘s Skyzen Studios has unveiled the first trailer for Sun-J Perumal’s sophomore feature “Fire on Water” (“Neer Mel Neruppu”), which premieres at the International Film Festival Rotterdam‘s Harbour strand.

Set over 20 years, the film follows Karthi, an aspiring filmmaker who has performed the gamut of roles in commercial television and film, from assistant director to editor to sound recordist.

He is increasingly disillusioned with the lack of opportunities to make a realistic feature film in Malaysia, until he meets a kindred spirit.

After writing a script in 2010 that he set aside, Perumal made his feature debut with “Jagat” (2015), exploring the Malaysian Indian community’s struggles post transition from rubber plantations to urban life, which won best film at the Malaysian Film Festival. “This film script is a bittersweet reflection on my 20 years in the television and film industry,” Perumal told Variety about “Fire on Water.” “Many younger directors who entered the industry a decade ago are still facing financial hardship, lack of recognition, and limited creative freedom.