Malaysian Drama Wins 2 Awards At Fribourg International Film Festival In Switzerland
The movie had its world premiere at the festival in Switzerland.
A touching drama film titled Abang Adik (2023) by Malaysian director Jin Ong has earned the Audience Award and the Ecumenical Jury Award at the 37th Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF)
The festival, which is one of Switzerland's five most established film festivals, took place from 17 to 26 March.
Abang Adik (2023) was one of the many film entries from Asia at the festival, alongside other film submissions from Japan, Iran, and Mongolia.
"As for the much coveted Audience Award and the Ecumenical Jury Award, these went to the Malaysian film Abang Adik by Jin Ong, a poignant portrait of the relationship between two undocumented brothers and a "plea for justice, solidarity, and human dignity"," wrote FIFF on the announcement of these awards following the festival's finale on 26 March.
Image via @FilemKita (Twitter)
The Audience Award is granted to the film that received the best reception by the audience, with CHF5,000 (approximately RM24,000) to the director. On the other hand, the Ecumenical Jury Award is awarded to the film that expresses values of justice, human dignity, respect for the environment, peace, and solidarity.
The Ecumenical Jury Award is given by a panel of juries from the World Catholic Association for Communication (SIGNIS) and the International Interchurch Film Organization (INTERFILM).
Abang Adik (2023) is a touching story of two brothers, one deaf-mute, while the other is indignant to the state of their lives, and a brutal accident that threatens the balance of their relationship
Image via FIFF
Set in present-day Malaysia, the movie follows Abang and Adi. Abang, the older brother, is a deaf-mute individual who has resigned himself to a life of poverty. His younger brother, Adi, refuses to accept that fate and is burning with indignation. Following a brutal accident that upsets the balance of their fragile relationship, the two brothers learn to fend for one another against the harsh realities of the world.
The film, as described by FIFF, is a poignant tale that lingers even after the credits roll.
A review on Letterboxd complimented the movie not only on its storyline, but its beautiful cinematography and the pacing of the plot.
The movie stars Malaysian actor Jack Tan and Taiwanese actor Wu Kang Ren as the brothers.
Watch the trailer here:
Here are other Malaysian films that have made headlines at film festivals worldwide:
Don't forget to catch Malaysia's own film festival, happening from 21 to 29 July at Lalaport BBCC, KL:
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