The film Abah Saya, Uncle Mike, which explores cross-cultural love and affection, has earned eight Top 5 nominations at the 35th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM35). The achievement highlights the strength of the film and marks a personal victory for its two actors, Andy Teh and Idan Aedan, who are now competing alongside seasoned performers.
Teh, whose full name is Andy Teh Kim Huat, 40, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Michael Tong Wai Siong, also known as Uncle Mike. He described his selection among the Top 5 nominees as a meaningful recognition after participating in the FFM for many years.
"I am very grateful to be nominated in the Top 5. I have been participating in the FFM for years, but this is the first time I have received a nomination.
"For me, being shortlisted alongside these actors is already a win. Of course, winning a trophy would make me even happier, but even if I don’t win, I am still very grateful,” he told reporters after the launch and announcement of the FFM35 Top 5 nominees recently.
Besides Andy, the Best Supporting Actor category also features Wan Hanafi Su for Badak, Aedy Ashraf (Tarung: Unforgiven), Kuben Mahadevan (Macai) and Sky Iskandar (The Furious: Pertaruhan Maruah).
Teh said he had not set his sights on winning an award when he accepted the role of Uncle Mike, but instead viewed it as an opportunity to challenge himself by exploring a different side of his acting, beyond the antagonist and action roles he often portrays.
"I hope that through this Top 5 nomination, people will see that Andy is not just someone who plays antagonists or fights, but can also portray characters like this,” he said, expressing his appreciation to Astro Shaw, the producer and the scriptwriter for placing their trust in him.
Meanwhile, Idan, whose real name is Muhammad Shahidan Abdullah, 22, was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Rafei. He described the nomination as one of the biggest achievements of his career so far.
"I was quite surprised to be selected for the Top 5. I never set a target to win. Just being alongside these actors is already a win for me because they are all outstanding.
"I never had any expectations or targets for the award, but I am grateful for the nomination and feel recognised by the local film industry,” he said.
The nomination marks Idan’s second at the FFM, following his appearance in the Best Promising Actor category at FFM32 for the film Anak Rimau The Movie.
The FFM35 Best Actor category also sees competition from Datuk Eman Manan for 3 Hajat, Shaheizy Sam (Badak), Beto Kusyairy (Gayong 2) and Amerul Affendi (Libang Libu).
In another development, Idan described the opportunity to act alongside Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo in The Fox King (Semusim Lara) as a dream come true, while also providing him with the chance to gain experience and learn from her guidance in the acting profession.
"She is very humble and open to working with others. Even on set, she would ask for our opinions on how a particular scene should be performed,” he said.
Besides Andy’s and Idan’s nominations, Abah Saya, Uncle Mike is also nominated for Best Film (Astro Shaw Sdn Bhd), Best New Director (Ezrie Gazali), Best Child Actor (Umar Shakur), Best Promising Actor (Merah Muhaimin), Best Screenplay (Muzzamer Rahman, Nik Naemah and Catalina Mae Hubbard) and Best Cinematography (Idham Md Din). – Bernama
