Documentary On Former M'sian Gangster Turned SEA Games Medallist Wins LA Film Award
The film was made by 22-year-old Malaysian filmmaker, Sanadtkumar Ganesan.
By May Vin Ang — 26 Jan 2023, 10:40 AM
A local documentary filmmaker has won 'Best Inspirational Film' at the Los Angeles Film Awards for his upcoming film centred on a former Malaysian gangster-turned-SEA Games medallist
The film, produced by Sanadtkumar Ganesan, is the third and latest episode in his self-made documentary series Wanted: Shades of Life.
According to New Straits Times, the 22-year-old director, fondly known as Sanadt, started the series to highlight the untold stories of everyday Malaysians who have taken the road less travelled and are leaving an impact in their communities.
The latest film follows the inspirational journey of chess player Genkeswaran Muniyan, who turned his life around after he landed himself him in jail
Hailing from Kuala Langat, Selangor, the former inmate found a passion in the game of chess after leaving prison, which ultimately led him to represent Malaysia at the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar, where he brought back a bronze medal for the nation.
After his win, he then founded his own chess school, Chess Master Journey in Klang, to make the game more accessible and provide more opportunities to troubled youth.
His story has since inspired thousands of students to pick up the sport as a means to improve themselves and develop their skills.
Sanadt, a final year film production student at the Toronto Film School in Yorkville University, Canada, was overjoyed by the win
"I was very excited to hear the news about the award. A film about Gen's story, which my team and I shot, is watched by people from Los Angeles and New York. That is very satisfying," he said in an interview on Astro's Saravedi Night With Aanantha & Uthaya, as quoted by New Straits Times.
He also added in an Instagram post, "I'm really happy this film was seen by people halfway across the world and that it got recognised in four festivals and is now winning an award. But more than all that, I'd like to thank @genkeswaranm for living life the way he is."
"The more I heard his story, the more I fell in love with what he is trying to do, to have faith in those who are lost. Thank you, Gen, for being who you are and inspiring people like me."
The documentary series has also won other awards for its previous episodes including one at the Tokyo Film Awards in Japan for his story about an Indian classical dance teacher and performer, Agnesmary Selvaraj, from Klang.
According to Sanadt, the newest film is currently completing its festival run in the US and Sweden
The film was also chosen as a finalist in the New York International Film Awards and the Stockholm City Film Festival.
Wanted: Shades of Life featuring Genkeswaran Muniyan will be screened at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) in 1 Utama at 2pm on 26 March.
Tickets, priced at RM75, can be purchased here.
