Wayang pacak rekindles nostalgia, instills patriotic spirit

SEKINCHAN - In recent times, there has been a growing preference for streaming movies online. It's remarkable to discover that the timeless appeal of 'wayang pacak' or outdoor movie screening, which gained prominence in the 70s, still managed to enthral a devoted community of enthusiasts.

Mohamad Sidik Mahmud, 55, who recently had the opportunity to watch 'wayang pacak' in the courtyard of Balai Masyarakat Tali Air Enam here, said the programme brought back his childhood memories.

"The selection of films featuring a patriotic theme being showcased is particularly fitting, aligning well with the fact that the country is currently observing the National Month," said the private sector employee.

"It's been quite some time since a programme like this took place. In the past, we used to enjoy 'wayang pacak' during school sports festivals in the 70s or after the harvest season right here. The villagers would gather together due to the limited availability of televisions back then," Mohd Sidik told Bernama.

The 'wayang pacak' screening is a Sabak Bernam District Information Office’s (PPD) effort to bring back fond memories and inspire patriotism among the local community.

Mokhtar Abdullah Kamari, 68, a retired military personnel, believes that these programmes should be extended to ensure that today's society remembers and appreciates the dedication and sacrifices of the nation's security forces.

"Even though I have retired for a long time, the patriotic spirit remains strong within me. It wasn't easy for the people in the past to attain independence; the younger generation must remember that," he said while attending the 'wayang pacak' screening together with his grandchild.

A young audience, Muhammad Izz Mifzal Muhammad Zainodin, aged 11, said the chosen patriotic films have inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a soldier.

"Before the movie started, there was a video about the nation's independence. I ended up learning something from it, despite initially coming to watch 'wayang pacak'," he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor State Information Department director Normaizatulakmal Tujad said they hope such leisure activities foster unity among the community, leaders, people from diverse backgrounds, and families, particularly during National Month.

It is PPD's approach to achieve the Jalinan Insan Wahana Aspirasi (Jiwa) and support the Malaysia Madani concept by organising community programmes that emphasise sharing information, promoting patriotism, encouraging volunteering, nurturing spirituality, and enhancing the well-being of the people, she added.

"The screening materials could include documentaries produced by organisations operating under the Communications and Digital Ministry, such as Radio Televisyen Malaysia and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), among others," Normaizatulakmal said.

PPD officer Ahmad Yaacob said their purpose in screening 'wayang pacak' is to serve as an information dissemination medium and also instil a sense of patriotism among the villagers.

"Although 'wayang pacak' might not be as popular as before, there is still demand for it. Besides movie screenings, we can also convey the latest information from the government," he said. - BERNAMA