Malaysian bags major film awards

BY ZIEMAN

PETALING JAYA: Young TV host Low Ngai Yuen has won two major awards at a film festival for short productions in Singapore. 

Her directorial debut, Your World, My World, grabbed the First Prize at the Starlight Cinema – Evian Short Film Festival 2003 and was also picked the “Public's Favourite” which was chosen by the audience through Short Message Service (SMS) and voting forms. 

Low's 11-minute film was among 140 entries which came from Singapore, Malaysia, China, Taiwan and the United States. 

With the wins, she walked home with RM5,500 and RM13,000 (media credits in magazine) as well as two trophies. Yuen had spent six months working on the script “about a frustrated man living in denial after a failed relationship” and had written it five times over. 

“I just couldn't believe it. I wanted so much to make films but since I didn't come from a film school, I had to prove myself and this is so promising and a very big step to be recognised,” said the multi-talented Yuen who also dabbles in several jobs like radio VJ, TV emcee, stage actress, scriptwriting and directing. 

Your World, My World, which was done in Mandarin has English subtitles and was picked as one of the eight finalists together with Urban Expansion, Lost in N.Y.C, Cellshocked, Cream Doggies, Refugee, Two States and Run.  

The premiere of these eight of the best short films from the region were done at Fort Canning Green, Singapore.  

She thanked executive producer Lina Tan for the freedom and the support she gave and the “non-commercial team effort” from the IACT Advertising School in Damansara. 

“I was the only director who appeared at the festival prancing around in a dress. I don't think I should change my glamour to fit the mould,” said the 26-year-old biochemistry graduate from North Carolina University. 

Your World, My World will be premiered for three days, starting tomorrow.