PAPAR: Growing concern over the rising incidence of bullying, particularly among young people, has prompted 10 Star Cinemas to take a proactive role by using films as platform to raise public awareness.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Onn Norshal Hamzah, said bullying is a universal issue that affects not only Sabah but also the rest of the country and the wider region, and requires collective action from all levels of society.
He said using art and entertainment, especially film, is an effective way to reach the younger generation, including teenagers and school students, as the medium is both relatable and impactful.
“Our decision to centre this campaign around the film Ozora: Brutal Abuse by a South Jakarta Authority Figure is deliberate.
“Apart from 10 Star being the producer, the film carries a strong and clear message against bullying and abuse of power,” he said.
“The film highlights the courage and determination of a father who fights injustice to seek justice for his child. It also underscores the importance of community support and trust in the legal system when defending victims.
“More importantly, it sends a clear message that society should not remain silent when bullying or oppression occurs. Justice can be achieved if we dare to speak up and pursue the matter through the proper legal channels,” he added.
Onn was speaking to reporters at the Gala Premiere Night of Ozora and the launch of the “Say No to Bullying” campaign at the Majestic Ballroom, 10 Star Cinemas here, Jan 11.
Also present were WSG Group Director Datuk Susan Wong, as well as the directors and cast members of the Indonesian film.
Based on a true story that shocked Indonesia in 2023, Ozora chronicles the struggle of a father, Jonathan Latumahina, to obtain justice for his son, David Ozora, who was left in a coma after being brutally bullied by the son of a powerful individual.
Despite being an ordinary citizen, Jonathan persisted in his fight for justice amid numerous obstacles, including pressure from security personnel, influential figures and an allegedly biased legal system. In contrast, the perpetrator initially received special treatment due to his father’s position as a senior official in South Jakarta.
However, the film ultimately portrays how public pressure and the voice of the people played a crucial role in ensuring justice for David.
Onn said as a first step, the “Say No to Bullying” campaign will involve screenings of Ozora at all 10 Star Cinemas outlets across Sabah. In addition, short anti-bullying video clips will be shown before the film to explain what constitutes bullying, as well as its risks and long-term psychological and social impact on victims.
“Cinemas are places where young people naturally gather. This makes them an ideal venue to deliver awareness messages directly and effectively,” he said.
He added that the company is also exploring the possibility of offering free screenings for school students at selected times and locations to ensure the message reaches a wider and more inclusive audience.
The initiative, he said, will not be limited to cinemas alone. Plans are underway to extend the campaign to areas without cinema facilities through a mobile cinema concept, including screenings at public halls and schools on an ad-hoc basis.
“If there is a need, we are prepared to go to the ground. What matters most is that the ‘Say No to Bullying’ message reaches all segments of society, especially students,” he said.
Onn expressed hope that the initiative would help foster greater awareness, encourage victims and witnesses to speak up, and instil a stronger sense of justice among the people of Sabah, in line with efforts to create a safer and more humane society.
At the event, Onn also received his letter of appointment as Executive Officer @ Faculty Programme at the Academy of Creative Arts and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
