Shah alam: Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, graciously attended a special screening of the film Last Dive, with persons with disabilities (PwD) from the Selangor community here tonight. Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who is also the Royal Patron of Yayasan Insan Istimewa Selangor (YANIS), watched the film together with members of the disabled community and their families.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor Women's Development and Community Welfare Committee chairman Anfaal Saari, who is also YANIS chairperson, said the special screening conveyed three main messages, namely the empowerment of the PWD, environmental sustainability, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). She expressed that the state government, through YANIS, is committed to empowering the agenda for the PWD, as well as eliminating stigma and discrimination against that group.
"This initiative is a three-pronged approach that is extremely critical. We want to prove that with policy support, facilities and technology, we can include people with disabilities in society, whether in recreational, entertainment, cultural activities and so on. We want to eliminate the stigma against the disabled community," she said during the press conference for the screening.
According to Anfaal, Last Dive highlights the empowerment of PWDs through scuba diving activities that provide a gravity-neutral environment, allowing them to explore their capabilities without mobility limitations. She also noted that the involvement of real icons and talents with disabilities in the film's production proves that physical disabilities are not a barrier for them to explore their potential.
"YANIS hopes that this work will spark a paradigm shift in society to continue working hand in hand to create a more inclusive, safe, and sustainable environment for future generations," she added.
Meanwhile, YANIS chief executive officer Kamarul Hisham Yeop Hashim mentioned that the special screening was held following Produksi Seni 2020's proposal to connect with the PWD community and special children in Selangor with works that highlight their stories and potential. The film, directed by Datin Dr. Wendy Wong, who also serves as the executive producer, tells the story of Faiz, a former football player who becomes paralysed due to an accident, and Amelia, a scuba diving instructor who helps people with disabilities explore the underwater world. Also serving as the film's co-executive producer is Datuk Nancie Foo.