Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – For this year’s Deepavali celebration, the Festival of Lights celebrated on 4 November, Malaysia’s Petronas presents the message of embracing ‘love’ and finding ‘positivity’ during the pandemic through a new animated web film.
The new film is a loose adaptation of the ancient Indian epic of Ramayana that draws parallels between the experiences Malaysians are facing during these trying times with the battle against darkness. It urges the citizens to have ‘faith’ and ‘power’ in this journey towards recovery.
Titled ‘Akka’, the web film features the main character Dheeya who goes on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she learns valuable life lessons that ‘love’ is also an act of responsibility. The film also shows how the values of ‘anger’ and ‘frustrations’ can be turned into a positive light through acceptance.
Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, Petronas’ senior general manager of group strategic communications, said that the pandemic remains a challenge for Malaysians this festive season, but it is also a time for ‘unity’ and celebration within the community.
“We at Petronas wish all Malaysians celebrating this Festival of Lights, Happy Deepavali. May light and love always prevail,” said Aziz.
In addition, Petronas also launched specially designed kolams – a form of traditional decorative art drawn using rice flour, which are being displayed at the Lingkaran Karak and Mutiara Damansara Petronas stations until 8 November 2021. The kolams, created by local artist Lashanya Rangoli, depict scenes from the web film.
The film is available for viewing on Petronas’ official YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Petronas has had animation as its main creative direction for its past brand films such as for the commemoration of Hari Raya, Thanksgiving Day, and Malaysia’s Independence Day.
