‘OlaBola’ song scores big at Chinese Oscars
PETALING JAYA: The annual Golden Horse Film Awards, often known as the Oscars of the Chinese movie world, have given the Best Original Film Song award to OlaBola’s theme track.
Singer Zee Avi and songwriter Rendra Zawawi of the song Arena Cahaya were in Taipei on Saturday to receive the honour.
Zee started her acceptance speech a the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall in Taipei in Mandarin before continuing in English: “I thought I was here just to perform the song. Thank you director Chiu for this incredible opportunity.
“This is an amazing project to be a part of as it is about unity, diversity and harmony, and it is to remind us that we are all the same.”
She was referring to OlaBola director Chiu Keng Guan.
Musician Alvin Wee who took care of the recording, editing, mixing and mastering for the song was also in the audience.
Arena Cahaya beat four other contenders including Faye Wong’s daughter Leah Dou’s (It’s Not A Crime) It’s Just What We Do, which was featured in the movie Soul Mate.
OlaBola, which was released 10 months ago, earned RM16.67mil at the Malaysian box-office, making it the fourth best-earning local film of all times.
In September, the film bagged three awards at the Malaysian Film Festival for Best Costume, Original Song and Score.
It also received a Special Jury Award for achievements as a film that promoted unity and family values through sports.
In an earlier interview with The Star, Rendra said when Chiu contacted him to write the song for OlaBola, Chiu said that he wanted something that imbues timelessness, inspiration and a sense of unity and hope.