The Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) 2023 is happening this 5 October 2023.

The spotlight is on The Muralz, a remarkable 3D + 2D animated short film by Rawr Pictures, a popular animation house based in Malaysia, that promises to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling.

A First-of-its-Kind Animation

The Muralz marks a significant milestone as Rawr Pictures’ first-ever short film intellectual property (IP).

The innovative creation seamlessly blends 3D and 2D animation, bringing to life a captivating narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of Penang’s picturesque streets.

“The Muralz is our first short film IP; it’s 3D + 2D animation.

“It will be featured at the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) this year, running from October 5th to the 25th at selected Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) outlets,” said Venessa Yap, Project Manager of Rawr Pictures during an interview at the Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) 2023.

Muralz FoodKaki: A Culinary Adventure Unveiled

But that’s not all. Alongside The Muralz, Rawr Pictures present “Muralz FoodKaki”, a groundbreaking concept that introduces audiences to the world of culinary art and blockchain rewards.

The app, available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, promises a culinary journey like no other.

“This is our first short film intellectual property (IP), and we worked together with Agmo Studio to create what we now call Muralz FoodKaki.

“Originally, it was named FoodKaki, but our collaboration led to its transformation into Muralz FoodKaki,” explained Yap.

Eat, Explore, Earn NFTs

The concept behind Muralz FoodKaki is simple yet ingenious. Users are encouraged to visit selected restaurants, embarking on a culinary adventure.

In the first stage, approximately 15 restaurants await exploration. However, the most exciting part is the chance to earn exclusive NFTs.

“After visiting all the restaurants, you can redeem an NFT for free. The NFT is based on our Muralz characters,” added Yap.

Missions and Rewards

Muralz FoodKaki’s gameplay revolves around three missions, each corresponding to one of the three main characters: Pahlawan Nasi Lemak, Rojak Man, and Kapten Cendol, as featured in The Muralz short film.

These missions are inspired by the beloved local dishes.

“We have three missions for the first stage, based on our three main characters: Cendol, Rojak, and Nasi Lemak. There will be five restaurants for each food, so you have to visit all five restaurants to complete one mission.

“After that, you’ll be rewarded with 500 reward coins for each mission. When you complete all three missions, you’ll have 1500 reward coins, which you can use to redeem one NFT.

“The total supply of NFTs available for now is 1,000,” revealed Yap.

Unique NFTs for Collectors

What sets Muralz FoodKaki apart is the uniqueness of each NFT. Depending on the character associated with your NFT, you’ll receive a distinct visual representation.

“Each NFT has a unique look, so you’ll get a different look for the NFTs based on the characters,” Yap explained.

A Heartfelt Narrative

Beyond the culinary adventure and NFT rewards, Rawr Picture’s The Muralz short film delves into the profound human experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The narrative explores tales of resilience, adaptation, and the unbreakable spirit of individuals.

“The Muralz is essentially a collection of stories about individuals grappling with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some found new opportunities by becoming Grab drivers, while others, like store owners, faced difficulties in maintaining their physical businesses and had to adapt by staying at home. It’s a touching narrative,” shared Yap.

Animating Murals and Spreading Positivity

Adding another layer of enchantment to the story, The Muralz’s main character, Azam, is an avid mural artist.

In a delightful twist, these murals spring to life, spreading positivity throughout the streets of Penang.

“Everything is happening in Penang. Because the city has unique buildings and delicious food, the storyline is based there,” said Yap.