While the Deed of Death is Areel Abu Bakar's directorial debut, he has been a cinematographer for nearly a decade, Bakar had the idea for the film about five years ago, three of which were spent raising funds. He wrote the original story and shot it himself. Although action films are very popular in Malaysia, they rarely focus on the traditional local martial arts, which is precisely what inspired Bakar to make something different. With a cast chock full of real-life silat exponents - and equal opportunity for women and children asskickers  as well - the film achieves levels of authenticity and inclusion seldom seen in Malaysian cinema. Blending social relevance into his novel story and approach, the 34-year old director has already proven himself maverick on the rise.

Sign up to get access to the link to the movie for your viewing pleasure. You may come to our panel discussion on Friday, April 9th 2021, as we dissect the film with Areel Abu Bakar and Megat Sharizal. Learn mroe about Southeast asian culture today!