Sun Bear and I

Genre
Family

Project Status
Script Development

Expected Shooting Location
Sepilok, Sabah

Logline
An innocent child develops a deep bond with a captive sun bear cub while he embarks on a quest to rescue it from Bornean forest to a conservation centre. Drawing strength from the sun bear, he navigates through the arduous journey and eventually emerges as a more environmentally conscious individual.

Synopsis

In a small village surrounded by Borenan forests, Sunny, a curious and compassionate 10-year-old, witnesses the cruel poaching of a mother bear. Driven by empathy, he bravely rescues its orphaned cub, Sokrati. Together, they run into treacherous obstacles, including the pursuit of relentless poachers, as they journey through the wilderness. Despite facing danger, they form a profound bond and rely on each other for survival. Sunny remembers the lessons from Dr Koh, a passionate conservationist, about the importance of animal conservation and is inspired to protect wildlife. Through their adventures, Sunny discovers the devastating effects of deforestation and climate change on animal habitats. Sokrati, though unable to speak, communicates with Sunny in a dream and urges him to become a steward of nature. Trapped in a deep trench, Sunny and Sokrati work together to escape, displaying their resourcefulness and resilience. They encounter challenges such as hunger and the constant threat of the poachers, but Sokrati’s determination to protect Sunny prevails. After a perilous journey through a raging river, Sunny falls ill with a high fever, but Sokrati remains by his side. In a nick of time, Dr Koh comes to their rescue, providing medical attention and ultimately taking Sokrati to a conservation centre. Despite their emotional farewell, Sunny visits Sokrati frequently, sharing their friendship with his classmates and becoming an advocate for animal welfare. Sokrati finds a new home in the conservation centre, where it receives the care and protection it deserves. Through their shared experiences, Sunny’s understanding of the importance of animal rights and environmental conservation deepens, inspiring him to continue his mission to safeguard nature’s delicate balance.

Director
Raymond Tan

Raymond is an Engineer by qualification, but his true passion lies in the world of filmmaking. Despite not having a formal media degree, he embarked on a journey courageously to learn the
art of filmmaking from ground zero. In 2011, he independently produced and directed a short film called “Wa Is For Wayang”, marking the beginning of his filmmaking career. Raymond’s love for exploring cross-cultural themes became evident as he delved into his craft. His dedication and talent shone through in his subsequent award-winning movies, “Wayang Boy” and “The Wayang Kids”, both of which beautifully captured the richness of multi-cultures. The acclaim for his work grew as “The Wayang Kids” made its way to nearly 20 film festivals, ultimately earning the prestigious title of Best Feature Film at the Ojo de Pescado Festival in Chile. In between his film projects, Raymond takes the time to visit schools, sharing his passion for movies with students. Through these interactions, he hopes to inspire aspiring filmmakers by showcasing his own journey and the possibilities that await them in the world of cinema. Raymond’s story is a testament to the power of determination and self-motivation. Despite lacking formal credentials, he carved a path for himself in the film industry through his unwavering dedication and love for storytelling. He serves as an inspiration to those who dream of pursuing their creative passions, proving that with hard work and perseverance, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their goals.

Producer
Low Kwang Hoe

Kwang Hoe started as a production accountant for “Wayang Boy”. He then joined “The Wayang Kids” as a producer. He has cast a wide net and has the movie screened in Malaysia, Singapore, and nearly 20 film festivals around the world (Germany, Sweden, Greece, Mexico, Japan, Korea, just to name a few). The movie eventually won Best Feature Film at Ojo de Pescado Festival in Chile. Kwang Hoe also promoted the movie in inflight movies, OTT, national broadcasters in Singapore, Greece and Belgium.

Company
Brainchild Pictures

Established in 2009, Brainchild Pictures has been a leader in creating captivating and educational contents that draw inspiration from its Asian roots while transcending cultural boundaries to reach global audiences. The company has become renowned for its ability to showcase Asia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through every project we undertake, from feature films, books to animation. Our latest movie “The Wayang Kids” was screened in nearly 20 countries and won the best feature award at the Ojo de Pescado Festival in Chile. With a commitment to touching hearts, inspiring minds, and entertaining audiences, the company strives to create unforgettable contents that celebrate the richness of Asian culture while appealing to a broad and diverse audience.