KUALA LUMPUR – National football goalkeeper Azri Abdul Ghani believes that sports movies like Harimau Malaya: The Untold Journey should be produced more often to educate viewers about the struggles athletes endure to achieve success for the country.
Speaking to Scoop, Azri, who has made a total of 30 appearances for the national team across various levels (under-19, under-23, and senior), said that the film, directed by Datuk Afdlin Shauki, has the potential to inspire the younger generation to take up football and aspire to become national team players.
“As a footballer, I’m thrilled when movies like this are shown, and I’m happy that fans will get to experience the emotions we feel on the pitch. Watching the movie as a footballer made me feel that connection.
“I’m surprised because this is the first time in a long while that a movie about football has been made in Malaysia, so I believe this film will be a great experience for all of us from an audience perspective.
“I have a feeling that more young and aspiring footballers will watch the film and be even more motivated to take up the sport.
“I hope that more movies like this will come out from our country,” said Azri during the gala premiere of Harimau Malaya: The Untold Journey on Monday night.
The film, reportedly produced with a budget of RM5 million, is loosely inspired by the national football team and their journey to qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup finals on merit after 42 years.
For context, Malaysia last qualified for the tournament in 2007 as a host.
Harimau Malaya: The Untold Journey, produced by 4wards Pictures Sdn Bhd, is set to hit the silver screen tomorrow. – August 14, 2024