'Call Me Agent' co-directors Eric Lam (left) from Hong Kong and Michael Chuah (right) from Malaysia. Photo: Sam Tham/Star Publication
For Malaysian director Michael Chuah, no dream is too big or too small.
It is this very belief that inspired the filmmaker’s latest action-comedy flick, Call Me Agent – a co-production between Malaysia and Hong Kong.
“I believe all of us chase our dreams. Some may say that your dream is unrealistic, but how will you know if you don’t try? This was the idea I had in mind when creating this movie,” Chuah said at the movie premiere in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
The 90-minute Cantonese film revolves around Miu Ling, an ordinary young woman who dreams of becoming a secret agent.
One day, she rescues an injured agent who promises to make her his apprentice. From then on, her life becomes a roller coaster of madcap adventures.
At the press conference after the premiere, Hong Kong director Eric Lam – who’s also the screenwriter for Call Me Agent – shared that the screenplay was inspired by his own journey in becoming a director.
“I’ve always dreamed of becoming a director since a young age. But it wasn’t an easy journey as I lacked experience and resources.
“While working on the script, I reflected on the efforts I’ve put in, and the hurdles I’ve overcome to get where I am today,” he said.
Leading the cast are Hong Kong stars Po Yiu Wong and Vincent Luk, with Wong as the adventure-seeking Miu Ling, and Luk as Agent Wing – a top spy who yearns for an ordinary life.
Local singer Belle Lee portrays Agent Janli and Wing’s love interest, whereas Ipoh-born actress Mimi Chu plays Miu Ling’s mother, a widow who works hard to raise her family.
Established Hong Kong actor Gabriel Wong – who’s also the film’s producer – stars as the head of a notorious crime syndicate.
Fantastic teamwork
Chuah said the decision to work together came about after he and Lam discovered their shared interest in expanding their market to foreign countries.
“The goal is to work with different cultures. We want to venture out and, if possible, expand to the Western market in the future. Hollywood is the dream for us,” the Malaysian explained.
Local director Michael Chuah hopes to expand his market to Hollywood in the future. Photo: Art Chen/The Star
Harbouring a huge love for Hong Kong action flicks since a young age, Chuah made sure to add multiple gunfight and hand-to-hand combat scenes in Call Me Agent.
“As a kid, I always loved watching Hong Kong action movies with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. It’s a genre I grew up with which is why directing this film was so fun,” he shared.
With a budget of HK$3mil (RM1.7mil), the film was shot around Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Hong Kong in 2018.
When asked about the expectations for the movie, director Lam responded: “My dream is for this film to collect RM10mil at the Malaysian box office. There’s a chance for a sequel if it does well.”
Call Me Agent is now showing at cinemas nationwide.
