Malaysia's 'Abang Adik' goes to Hollywood
8 October 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has officially entered the Oscars race by selecting the critically acclaimed film Abang Adik as its contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) announced this selection after a thorough review by its Film Selection Committee, which commended the film for its compelling narrative, cultural significance, and alignment with the Academy's selection criteria.
This choice not only highlights the film's artistic excellence but also its relevance in addressing broader socio-political issues related to identity, belonging, and undocumented communities.
Directed by debut filmmaker Lay Jin Ong and produced by More Entertainments, Abang Adik poignantly narrates the story of two undocumented orphaned brothers—Abang, a mute character brought to life by Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, and Adik, the outspoken younger sibling portrayed by Malaysia's Jack Tan.
Together, they navigate a harsh existence on the fringes of society, facing systemic neglect while fiercely safeguarding their bond in a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden environment. The film delves into profound themes of familial love, resilience, and sacrifice, shining a light on the struggles of those who live without recognition or identity.
"I'm deeply honoured that Abang Adik will represent Malaysia at the Oscars," said Ong in a statement.
"This film means so much to everyone involved, and we're thrilled to share its story on the global stage. We hope its emotional depth and universal themes resonate with audiences around the world, including Academy voters."
Since its premiere in November 2023, Abang Adik has become a festival darling, racking up over 30 international festival appearances and winning 19 awards to date.
Among its notable honours are the Best Film award at the 22nd Uncaged Competition at the New York Asian Film Festival and top prizes at the 25th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, including the Golden Mulberry and Black Dragon Critics Award.
Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FINAS, emphasised the film's impressive run on the international circuit, positioning it as a strong contender for the Oscar race.
"The film's powerful narrative, rooted in Asian culture, has already gained critical acclaim worldwide. We are confident it will continue to captivate international audiences and Academy members alike," he stated.
Beyond the festival circuit, Abang Adik has also proven to be a box-office success. The film has so far
earned more than US$4.4 million in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, making it one of Malaysia's highest-grossing films abroad. Domestically, the film grossed over US$1.3 million during its December 2023 release.
This achievement showcases the power of regional collaboration and the potential for Asian stories to resonate on the world stage," noted Azmir, adding that he hopes Abang Adik will inspire a new generation of Malaysian filmmakers to explore international opportunities.
The journey to the Oscars is just beginning for Abang Adik, but its trajectory suggests that it is more than ready to make waves in Hollywood.
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