NO, this is not a Alfred Hitchcock thriller. Those who have seen the suspense director's movie, 'The Birds' could be in for a total surprise.

'The Bird House', a Malaysian offering, has nothing to do with Hitchcock's imaginary killer birds in the 1960's movie. The only similarity is that both movies are about birds - er, birds and bird's nest.

'The Bird House' is a well grounded movie with a distinct local flavour. It also has a noble objective - to educate Malaysians on the importance of preserving and appreciating the value of heritage.

On Thursday (April 5), 'The Bird House' opens in cinemas nationwide. Those who feel strongly about preserving national heritage and those wishing to learn more of the subject will find the story absorbing.

Local film maker Khoo Eng How made 'The Bird House' after he was inspired by his friends' struggles to protect things which they felt are of great historical and cultural values and also about his own working experiences in the business world.

Peranakan style house

"The movie portrays the way some people view the value of heritage. It is a story of people involved in a place that has a strong heritage value," Khoo told a press conference after the premiere screening of the movie in Kuala Lumpur last week..

The story begins when two brothers opposed one another's attempt to exploit their prewar Peranakan-style house in Malacca.

Younger sibling Hua (acted by Loh Bok Lai) hoped to supplement his income by venturing into the bird's nest business. (Bird's nest is a favourite dessert among the Chinese community that is said to contribute to good health.)

However, Hua had to renovate the house illegally because it had been earmarked by the local authority as a heritage place to be preserved as a tourist attraction.

But elder brother Keat (played by Lee Kiat Lee) planned to save the house by converting it into an antique shop.

There is a deliberate abstract ending. Khoo explained this was to give space for the audience to imagine and let them interpret the ending based on their understanding.

"The ending of the movie portrays a linear story which is open for public discussions based on their different views," he added.

Several languages

The movie is also an exploration of how today's society devalued the 'old' in the face of modernization and development. It parallels what is going on in a developing country like Malaysia and the tensions between ancient, modernity, human desire and morality.

In the movie, Khoo also managed to portray a plural and diversified Malaysian society by using several languages and Chinese dialects.

He explained why: "Whenever I travel overseas, people used to ask me how Malaysians can converse with each other in a few languages at the same time. Hence in this movie, I have used English, Malay, Chinese and Hokkien at any one scene to show this unique ability of a Malaysian."

Besides, Khoo's movie also reflected today's business scenario where many businessmen prefer to expand their businesses to China and no longer in Malaysia.

Although Malaysia is a good market for business expansion, somehow businessmen are still looking towards China and not Malaysia, he said.

Khoo is an engineer by training, His interest in still photography led him to his full time profession as an editor, editing other film makers' work in recent years. He started his career as a producer inr 2002.

He is also an award winning director with his film entitled 'Railway Steps' and drama, 'Ah Kew the Digger'.