Another achievement

DIRECTOR Quek Shio Chuan’s film Guang is garnering attention at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) as well as the Asia Fukuoka International Film Festival 2018.

According to a press statement from film distributor mm2 Entertainment, Guang has been shortlisted for four awards at the SIFF’s Asian New Talent Awards.

The film is nominated in the Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress categories.

Last year, Tan Seng Kiat won three awards (Best Film, Best Cinematographer and Best Actor) in the sub category for Shuttle Life. Guang has also been selected to be in competition for the Fukuoka Audience Award (Focus on Asia) at the Fukuoka International Film Festival.

Guang is based on the first short film directed by the University Tunku Abdul Rahman graduate back in 2011.

The short film travelled to various international festivals, winning at 7th Leids Film Festival in the Netherlands and 6th Festival Alto Vicentino in Italy.

It tells the story of Wen Guang, a young man who struggles with daily tasks as he has autism.

But when his brother asks him to find a job so they can share the family expenses, he goes looking for one.

However, it’s a difficult process. Unknown to anyone, he has a gift for music.

“It’s been a very long journey and sometimes making this film almost felt impossible. I’m very humbled and honoured to be recognised for all our hard work on the film,” said the Johorian in a press statement.

Guang is tentatively scheduled for release in Malaysia in December.

— mm2 Entertainment Quek directs the film Guang ,fromhis 2011 short.

Lead actor Kyo Chen (left), who portrays the title character in both the short and feature film versions of Guang, says he found it challenging to revisit the role.