Jin Ong’s directorial debut Abang Adik, which has been on a triumphant journey on the international stage, opened at cinemas in Malaysia on Dec 14.
Just to list its achievements so far: in April, it became the first Malaysian film to receive top honours at Italy’s Far East Film Festival, clinching a total of three awards; last month, one of the film’s main stars, Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, won Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards in Taipei.
The film made history when it premiered in Taiwan on Dec 1 and earned NT$15mil (RM2.2mil) over a three-day period at the box office.
Director Ong – whose full name is Ong Lay Jin – told StarLifestyle via email that he is grateful for the successes the film has gotten so far.
“Our achievements at various international film festivals, including the Golden Horse, have significantly raised the film’s profile.
“While Abang Adik may not be a commercial movie, we are pleased that these accomplishments have made the film more accessible to audiences.”
On the reception the film received in Taiwan, Ong said: “I am very proud that a Malaysian film can resonate with people and achieve such acclaim in Taiwan.”
The Perak-born filmmaker, with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, was initially in the music scene and later moved into producing films and TV shows. He is currently based in Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.
But wherever he may be, what Ong wants is for his films to share more stories about Malaysia and raise awareness on social issues.
This was evident in the films he produced in the past, namely Shuttle Life (2017) and Miss Andy (2019).
“Movies are a powerful medium to deliver messages to a wider audience,” he said.
“The main message I want to deliver is of love. I believe that no matter how tough life is, love gives us all the will to survive.”
Abang Adik centres around two undocumented men living in Kuala Lumpur.
Although they were born in Malaysia, they don’t have proper paperwork to prove their citizenship which makes things difficult for them to get decent jobs.
Abang (Wu) is a deaf-mute who works at a wet market, trying to lead an honest life to provide for himself and for Adik (Malaysian actor Jack Tan).
The two of them pass the days in the flat they share, while staying hidden from immigration officers who often patrol the area.
When a social worker began a fight for their immigration status, things start to look up for the brothers.
But, an event occurs that changes their lives forever.
According to Ong, the international audiences were curious about the “stateless issue” that the characters face.
He added that Taiwanese audiences were also intrigued by “the inspiration behind knocking of the eggs between the brothers”, that’s highlighted in the trailer.
“The stateless issue in Malaysia is a long-term problem. Over the past three years with Covid-19, I’ve witnessed an increase in this kind of situation, motivating me to tell this story,” said Ong who not only directed but also wrote Abang Adik.
Recalling the challenges of writing the screenplay during the pandemic, Ong said that it was impossible to meet people face-to-face to get first-hand accounts.
“That was a main challenge back then,” he said. But he soldiered on as he thought it was an important issue to highlight.
“Throughout any filmmaking process, we will face various challenges at every stage. I see these challenges as sources of motivation.
“(More than just) awards, I am more concerned about the story that I want to deliver and the core of the messages that I want to share.”
A reason why the film has resonated with the audience also lies in the actors’ performances.
One reviewer noted that Wu delivers a compelling performance in Abang Adik, adding, “performances across the board are convincing and demand empathy”.
Ong said that he couldn’t be happier with what Wu and Tan brought to their roles.
“They worked on their characters’ brotherhood relationship early on. I’ve always believed in them and gave them the space to develop their characters.
“Wu Kang-ren also spent a lot of time to learn the sign language. I felt he made tremendous effort in preparing for this character.”
He added: “I hope that Malaysian audiences can support the film and be aware of the issues raised in this film.
“We should pay more attention to this kind of community.”
Abang Adik is showing at cinemas nationwide from Dec 14.
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