Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), through its Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development), formalised a licensing agreement with Aman Hills Cineleisure for the special screening of Wujud, an internationally acclaimed full-feature documentary directed by Dr Rui Oliveira Lopes and Syafi Halim.
The Licensing Agreement Ceremony was officiated by UBD’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, as the Guest of Honour. The agreement was signed by Dr Haji Masairol Haji Masri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development) representing UBD, and Sarinah Sabatini Samsudin, Marketing Manager of Aman Hills Cineleisure. The signing was witnessed by Dr Kathrina Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Daud, Director of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) at UBD, and Amal Nadzirah Haji Rudzi, Marketing & Event Coordinator at Aman Hills Cineleisure.
Wujud is an insightful exploration of Brunei’s cultural identity, produced as part of an academic research project funded by UBD in collaboration with NEW WAVE FILMS. The documentary showcases extensive fieldwork led by Dr Rui Oliveira Lopes under UBD’s Design and Creative Industries Programme at FASS, UBD. Over two years (2022–2024), a dedicated team of UBD students and alumni captured compelling narratives across Brunei’s four districts, focusing on themes such as Monarchy, People, Nature, Language, and Islam.
The documentary has achieved international acclaim, winning Best Documentary, Best Cinematography, Best Director, and Best Producer at the South East Academy International Film Festival (SEAiff) in May 2024. It has also been selected for the prestigious Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards.
“This film is a tribute to Brunei’s rich cultural heritage and the voices of its people. We are thrilled to share it with the public and hope it sparks meaningful conversations about identity and tradition,” said Dr Rui Oliveira Lopes, Co-Director and Lead Researcher.
The special screening of Wujud at Aman Hills Cineleisure promises an enriching experience for film enthusiasts, academics, and individuals passionate about Brunei’s cultural heritage. Schedule and ticket details will be announced soon.