‘Abang Adik’ to represent Malaysia at the 2024 Oscars

Malaysia has officially entered the Oscars race by selecting the critically acclaimed Abang Adik as its contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

This marks a pivotal moment for Malaysian cinema, as Abang Adik’s emotional depth and cultural significance position it as a strong contender on the global stage.

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) announced the selection, highlighting the film’s compelling narrative and its relevance in addressing socio-political issues like identity and undocumented communities.

Directed by first-time filmmaker Lay Jin Ong, Abang Adik tells the powerful story of two undocumented brothers, Abang and Adik, navigating a harsh and unforgiving world.

Abang Adik: A story of brotherhood and survival

Abang Adik stands out for its heart-wrenching portrayal of two orphaned brothers—Abang, a mute, played by Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, and Adik, the outspoken younger sibling, portrayed by Malaysia’s Jack Tan.

The film delves into themes of brotherhood, resilience, and the struggles of living on society’s fringes.

Abang and Adik, born without legal status, fight for survival in a world that refuses to acknowledge their existence.

The brothers’ bond and sacrifices are the emotional core of the film, providing a glimpse into the realities of those living without recognition.

Director Lay Jin Ong expressed his gratitude for the film’s selection, stating, “I’m deeply honored that Abang Adik will represent Malaysia at the Oscars.

We hope its emotional depth and universal themes resonate with audiences around the world, including Academy voters.”

International acclaim and box-office success

Since its premiere in November 2023, Abang Adik has captivated audiences worldwide.

It has made over 30 international festival appearances and won 19 prestigious awards, including the Best Film award at the 22nd Uncaged Competition at the New York Asian Film Festival.

It also earned top prizes at Italy’s 25th Far East Film Festival, solidifying its place as a film of international relevance.

FINAS CEO Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib emphasised the film’s strong international run, noting, “The film’s powerful narrative, rooted in Asian culture, has already gained critical acclaim worldwide.

We are confident it will continue to captivate international audiences and Academy members alike.”

Beyond the festival circuit, Abang Adik has also performed impressively at the box office.

It grossed over US$4.4 million across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, making it one of Malaysia’s highest-grossing films abroad.

Domestically, it earned over US$1.3 million during its December 2023 release, further solidifying its success.

The international recognition and commercial success of Abang Adik highlights its significance for Malaysia’s film industry.

As Azmir noted, “This achievement showcases the power of regional collaboration and the potential for Asian stories to resonate on the world stage.”

The film’s journey to the Oscars brings new hope for the future of Malaysian cinema, encouraging local filmmakers to explore broader horizons and tell stories that can captivate global audiences.

As Abang Adik continues its Oscars campaign, its success serves as an inspiration for emerging Malaysian filmmakers.

With its moving narrative, universal themes, and impressive festival run, the film is well-positioned to make waves in Hollywood.