10 Must-Watch Movies and TV Shows from Brunei

Brunei Darussalam, a jewel on the island of Borneo, boasts a burgeoning film and television scene shaped by its unique cultural tapestry, Islamic values, and lush tropical landscapes. Despite a modest production output due to stringent regulations and a small market, Bruneian creators have crafted stories that resonate deeply with themes of family, faith, morality, and modern struggles. This list curates the top 10 movies and TV shows every viewer should explore, ranked by their cultural impact, narrative innovation, and ability to showcase Bruneian identity on screen. Selections prioritise works that break new ground in the local industry, offer authentic portrayals of Bruneian life, and have garnered acclaim at regional festivals or among audiences. From pioneering features to gripping series, these gems provide a window into a cinema landscape that’s intimate yet profoundly moving.

What sets Bruneian storytelling apart is its blend of Malay traditions, Islamic ethics, and contemporary dilemmas, often infused with subtle supernatural elements or heartfelt dramas. Our criteria emphasise films and shows that not only entertain but also educate on Brunei’s social fabric—think tales of youth navigating tradition, communities facing change, and spirits lurking in the everyday. Whether you’re a cinephile seeking undiscovered territories or curious about Southeast Asian gems beyond the mainstream, this lineup promises fresh perspectives. Prepare to discover voices like Awang Semaun Sabtu and Adi Ciff, whose visions have elevated Brunei’s profile internationally.

Diving in, we start from number 10 and climb to the crown jewel at number one, each entry unpacked with context, stylistic flair, and lasting resonance.

  1. Dari Jendela SMP (2004)

    This pioneering short feature, directed by young Bruneian talent Hj Mohd Yusri, marks one of the earliest narrative efforts from Brunei’s nascent film scene. Set against the backdrop of a Bandar Seri Begawan secondary school, it follows a group of students grappling with adolescence, peer pressure, and the pull between studies and youthful rebellion. Shot on a shoestring budget with non-professional actors, its raw authenticity captures the rhythm of Bruneian school life—the chatter in Malay, the humid afternoons, and the unspoken hierarchies.

    What elevates it is its prescient exploration of bullying and mental health, themes that foreshadow later works like Buli. Critics at the 2005 Brunei International Film Festival praised its “unpretentious charm,”1 noting how director Yusri’s handheld camerawork evokes the voyeuristic gaze of the title’s “window.” Though brief at 40 minutes, it laid foundational stones for Bruneian cinema’s focus on youth narratives, influencing a generation of filmmakers. For viewers, it’s an essential starter pack into Brunei’s visual storytelling roots.

  2. Perjalanan (The Journey, 2014)

    Directed by Adi Ciff, Perjalanan is a reflective road drama that traces a young man’s pilgrimage across Brunei’s waterways and kampungs in search of his estranged father. Infused with Islamic motifs of redemption and family reconciliation, it showcases stunning cinematography of the Brunei River and Temburong District’s verdant expanses, a rarity in local productions.

    The film’s strength lies in its contemplative pace, allowing space for dialogue rich in Bruneian Malay idioms and quiet moments of prayer. Adi Ciff’s script draws from personal anecdotes, blending humour with pathos—think awkward family reunions amid monsoon rains. Selected for the Singapore International Film Festival, it earned plaudits for “humanising Brunei’s stoic masculinity.”2 At 90 minutes, it’s a meditative entry point for understanding Bruneian values of sabr (patience) and familial duty, making it indispensable for cultural explorers.

  3. Yang Rajin (The Diligent One, 2018)

    A light-hearted family comedy by director Aizat Shamsul, Yang Rajin follows a lazy Bruneian civil servant who transforms through a community challenge to outwork his neighbours. Packed with slapstick rooted in everyday Bruneian absurdities—like haggling at tamu markets or dodging afternoon prayers—it’s a palate cleanser amid heavier dramas.

    Shamsul’s debut feature shines through vibrant colour grading that pops against Brunei’s equatorial palette, and a soundtrack blending nasyid with pop. Local audiences adored its relatability, with box office success at Brunei cinemas.3 Yet beneath the laughs, it subtly critiques work ethic in a welfare-rich society. Ideal for newcomers, this 85-minute romp introduces Bruneian humour’s warmth and wit.

  4. Dilema (Dilemma, 2020)

    Aizat Shamsul returns with this taut moral thriller, centring on a Bruneian teacher torn between reporting a student’s crime or protecting his family’s honour. Filmed during early COVID restrictions, its claustrophobic interiors amplify the ethical tension, echoing Bruneian syariah law’s rigour.

    Clever editing and Adi’s nuanced performance as the protagonist build suspense without gore, focusing on psychological strain. Premiering at the 2021 Southeast Asian Film Festival, it was lauded for “navigating Brunei’s conservative ethos with nuance.”4 At 100 minutes, Dilema exemplifies Bruneian cinema’s maturation, probing faith versus pragmatism in a way that’s universally compelling.

  5. Othman 13 (TV Series, 2019–Present)

    RTB’s flagship supernatural comedy series blends horror tropes with Bruneian folklore, following bumbling detective Othman tackling ghosts and jinn in modern Bandar Seri Begawan. Each 25-minute episode mixes scares with farce, like a pontianak haunting a gadget shop.

    Its appeal stems from cultural specificity—references to local legends like hantu raya—coupled with sharp writing that pokes fun at bureaucracy. Averaging 1 million views per episode locally,5 it has boosted Bruneian TV’s youth appeal. Essential viewing for its innovative fusion of laughs and chills, proving Brunei’s small screen prowess.

  6. Amarah (Rage, 2015)

    Adi Ciff’s sophomore effort plunges into supernatural territory, where a Bruneian family’s wrath awakens an amarah spirit amid domestic strife. Shot in atmospheric kampung houses, its slow-burn tension builds via sound design evoking rustling leaves and distant azan calls.

    The film deftly weaves Islamic exorcism rites with psychological drama, avoiding clichés for authentic Bruneian mysticism. Festival buzz at Pusan led to international distribution, with reviews hailing its “chilling cultural specificity.”6 Clocking 95 minutes, Amarah is a gateway to Brunei’s subtle horror vein.

  7. Kembali (Return, TV Series, 2017)

    This RTB drama miniseries (10 episodes, 45 minutes each) charts expatriate Bruneians returning home, confronting culture shock and reintegration. Nuanced scripts explore generational clashes, from hijab debates to urban-rural divides.

    Strong ensemble casts and location shooting in Seria oil fields add grit. Critically acclaimed for “mirroring Brunei’s diaspora reality,”7 it sparked national conversations. A must for its poignant take on identity in a globalised Brunei.

  8. Rentak 77 (Pulse 77, 2017)

    Awang Adie’s sports drama chronicles a Bruneian football team’s underdog bid for national glory, inspired by real RTBFC triumphs. Pulsing with match-day energy, it celebrates camaraderie amid Brunei’s football passion.

    Dynamic handheld action and motivational arcs shine, with cameos from local stars. Blockbuster status at home,8 it’s 110 minutes of uplifting Bruneian spirit, akin to Friday Night Lights with kampung flair.

  9. Bunian (2022)

    Emerging director Faisal Yusof’s horror feature unveils bunian (forest spirits) invading a Bruneian village, blending folklore with environmental allegory. Eerie visuals of Belait jungles heighten dread.

    Innovative VFX on a micro-budget impress, earning Southeast Asian nods.9 At 105 minutes, it’s Brunei’s boldest genre leap, thrilling with cultural chills.

  10. Buli (Bullying, 2011)

    Awang Semaun Sabtu’s landmark debut, Brunei’s first full-length feature, unflinchingly dissects school bullying’s scars through a victim’s revenge arc. Stark realism and child actors’ raw power grip from frame one.

    Shot guerrilla-style, its impact rippled nationally, prompting anti-bullying campaigns. Acclaimed at festivals for “raw societal critique,”10 this 92-minute powerhouse tops our list for igniting Bruneian cinema’s fire.

Conclusion

These 10 selections illuminate Brunei’s cinematic ascent—from humble beginnings in Dari Jendela SMP to genre-bending triumphs like Bunian and Buli. They collectively portray a nation balancing tradition and modernity, faith and fear, community and conflict. As Brunei’s industry grows with digital tools and festivals, expect more global voices. Dive into these for authentic tastes of Borneo’s storytelling soul, and let them spark your own explorations.

References

  • Brunei International Film Festival Archives, 2005.
  • Singapore International Film Festival Catalogue, 2015.
  • Borneo Bulletin Review, 2018.
  • Southeast Asian Film Festival Programme, 2021.
  • RTB Audience Metrics Report, 2020.
  • Busan International Film Festival Notes, 2016.
  • The Brunei Times, 2017.
  • Brudirect Cinema Box Office, 2017.
  • ASEAN Film Awards Shortlist, 2023.
  • Semaun Sabtu Interview, Pelita Brunei, 2012.

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