KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called for more films with patriotic elements and historical epics to be produced to strengthen the spirit of unity and nationhood among Malaysians.

The Istana Negara in a Facebook post said Al-Sultan Abdullah was of the view that the phenomenon triggered by the film 'Mat Kilau: The Rise of Heroes' could be an example and inspiration for the national film industry.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah had graced the screening of the movie Mat Kilau at The Gardens Mall yesterday, according to the post.

Their Majesties were accompanied by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail was also present.

The King and Queen were greeted by members of the film production company, Studio Kembara Sdn Bhd, and some of the film's actors.

"Al-Sultan Abdullah congratulated the production company, director and cast for topping the list of the best-selling local films ever produced in the country, almost reaching RM100 million (in box office collections)," read the post.

His Majesty also expressed his pride and admiration over the quality of the film and the people's excellent response to it.

Apart from creating a phenomenon after it was shown in the country on June 23, the movie directed by Syamsul Yusof also began screening in Indonesia on Aug 31.

-- BERNAMA