Joon Goh’s MOP to debut on Short of the Week

After an impressive run on the international film festival circuit, Malaysian filmmaker Joon Goh’s short film MOP will make its online debut on February 20, 2025, via the Short of the Week YouTube channel. Known for its provocative themes of power, intimacy, and dependency, the nine-minute film has captivated audiences worldwide, earning accolades such as Best Picture at Fantastic Fest 2023 (US) and the Jury Prize at QCinema International Film Festival 2023 (PH).

MOP follows Ayu, a young employee at a family-owned furniture store, and her boss, Cecilia, as a routine lunch break escalates into a dangerous power struggle. Their sadomasochistic dynamic highlights themes of manipulation, control, and emotional dependency. Shot entirely in a discount furniture outlet on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, the film employs raw, naturalistic visuals to enhance its intense narrative.

A Global Journey Through Prestigious Festivals

Following its world premiere, MOP gained widespread recognition on the festival circuit, screening at major international events. The film’s unique narrative and bold direction secured spots at renowned festivals, including:

• London Short Film Festival (UK) 2024
• Queer East (UK) 2024
• Landshut Short Film Festival (Germany) 2024
• Fantaspoa (Brazil) 2024
• Slash Film Festival (Austria) 2024
• TOHorror Fantastic Film Fest (Italy) 2024
• FilmQuest (US) 2024
• Shivers Film Festival (Germany) 2024

The film was also featured at Spotlight: Apresiasi Sinema Malaysia 2023 by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and ranked No. 9 on Asian Movie Pulse’s 25 Best Asian Short Films of 2023.

The Making of MOP: A One-Day Shoot with High-Impact Visuals

Filmmaker Joon Goh, known for his genre-driven storytelling, took an experimental approach with MOP, collaborating with Butoh dance choreographer Din Sabah to craft the physical performances. The film was shot in a single day using natural light, capturing the raw tension between the characters.

One of the film’s striking visual elements is how the actors contort their bodies to resemble furniture, emphasizing the theme of dependency and human objectification. The intense rehearsals ensured the actors could safely perform the demanding physical sequences while delivering emotionally charged performances.

A Talented Team Behind the Film

The film’s creative team includes industry veterans and rising talents. Joon Goh, who directed and co-wrote MOP, has previously worked on TV3’s hit satirical comedy series Sitik Tok. Executive producer Zarul Albakri, known for Spilt Gravy on Rice, brings decades of filmmaking experience, while producer Elise Shick has a strong background in Southeast Asian cinema.

The film stars Mia Sabrina Mahadir as Ayu and Lim Mei Fen as Cecilia, both of whom have extensive experience in film and theatre. Tan Teck Zee’s cinematography, Julian Gill and Syukri Rahim’s music compositions, and Mohsin Othman’s sound design contribute to the film’s immersive experience.

With its online premiere set on Short of the Week, MOP is poised to reach an even wider audience, continuing its journey as one of Malaysia’s most talked-about short films in recent years.