As a leading figure of Malaysian New Wave cinema, U-Wei Bin HajiSaari was invited to curate a program of Malaysian films for BAPFF 2015.
U-Wei will be in Brisbane as a member of the 2015 APSA International Jury and attend screenings of “Voices from Malaysia”.
The program features the Australian premiere of the wild and fun roadtrip movie Nova, a compelling tale of family and redemption in Songlap, and One Note, One Fragment, an eight minute short film directed by U-Wei commissioned by the Asian Film Archive (AFA) as part of an omnibus film Fragment; celebrating the Archive’s 10th anniversary and the strength and diversity of South-East Asian independent cinema.
One Note, One Fragment screens before both Songlap and Nova.
U-Wei says the rationale for his choice of films was simple.
“The best way for me to select a film is by the very simple reason that I like the film,” U-Wei explains.
“Even if it’s my prerogative, the first criterion is always to like it.
“In the last five years, Malaysia has released an average of 60 films annually. I’ve seen most of them. They range from romantic comedy, drama and action to horror movies.
“I liked Songlap when I first saw it at an early public screening. The husband and wife directing team (Fizi and Fendi) have crafted a compelling and plausible dysfunctional family drama, with edge-of-your-seat action scenes.
“Nova (Terbaik Dari Langit), I find refreshing. It’s a film of young filmmakers, by young filmmakers, but not just for young filmmakers.
“I do like both of them.”
Songlap Director Effendee Mazlan and Writer / Director Fariza Azlina Isahak will attend the Saturday 28 November screening of the film at GOMA.
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