M. Raihan Halim‘s directorial debut, Banting, is finally getting its Malaysia premiere on May 7 after initially releasing to audiences in Singapore late last year. Judging by the trailers and the overall plot, you can definitely chalk this one up as another peeling-back of the layers on gender-based religious stereotypes that influences cultural growth and self-fulfillment, although Halim’s offering here promises a few laughs to help sweeten the usual formulaic drama along the way.
Written and directed by award-winning writer/director, M. Raihan Halim, Banting follows the story of Yasmin Muhammad (lzyan Mellyna Ishak), a 24-year-old young woman who is tired of being stereotyped because she wears a hijab. She wonders if a hijab girl can do everything that a normal girl can do. Things take an unexpected turn when Yasmin comes across a professional wrestling gym and decides to sign up to become a wrestler. Hiding this newfound passion from her strict Muslim mother, Yasmin revels spectators with her adeptness at the sport. Can Yasmin beat against the odds to become a professional wrestler? Most importantly, can she hide this secret for long?
An advanced screening is being hosted on May 1 locally by film club, SCAPEMedia with Halim attending and you can learn more about it by clicking here. Beyond that, check out an English trailer below.
