Abang Adik, a Malaysian film directed by Jin Ong, has been selected to represent Malaysia in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, which will take place in March next year.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) made the announcement through a press statement, noting that the selection was made after several rounds of evaluation by the FINAS Film Selection Committee (JKPF).
The committee, composed of film industry professionals, ensured that the submission met all the participation criteria set by the Oscars.
The film, produced by More Entertainments Sdn Bhd, has won 19 international awards, showcasing Malaysia’s capability to compete and shine on the global stage.
We are deeply honored and grateful to FINAS Malaysia for selecting Abang Adik as the official representative of Malaysia for the 97th Academy Awards – Best International Feature Film”, it wrote in a statement.
Among its most notable achievements are the Best Film Award at the 22nd Uncaged Competition during the New York Asian Film Festival, and the Golden Mulberry, Black Dragon Critics Award, and White Mulberry Award for Best Feature Film at the 25th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy.
On the local front, Abang Adik secured victories at the Malaysia Global Golden Awards (MGGA) 2024, where it took home trophies for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
FINAS also revealed that the film has been performing exceptionally well in China, earning RM2.2 million at the box office as of September 30, following its release on September 21.
Last year, Abang Adik created a sensation, grossing RM14.6 million in Taiwan and RM1.55 million in Hong Kong, making it the highest-grossing Malaysian film in both regions.
In Malaysia, the film earned RM5.7 million during its December release.
Read also: Award Winning Local Film ‘Abang Adik’ Rakes In RM3mil At M’sian Box Office In Just 2 Weeks
Abang Adik tells the story of two orphans, portrayed by Jack Tan and Taiwanese actor Wu Kang Ren, living without legal documents in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, a district known for its wet markets.
Read our review here: “Can’t Even Open A Bank Account”-Witness M’sians Without IC Struggle To Live In Pudu Through ‘Abang Adik’
