"Prebet Sapu" is Malaysia's rep film to the Oscars
5 Nov – Low-budget film "Prebet Sapu" (English title, "Hail, Driver!") has been selected to represent Malaysia for the Best International Feature Film category at the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles next year.
The news was shared by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), which stated that the film, produced under RM500,000 and directed by Muzzamer Rahman, was selected after meeting several criterias set by the organisers of the Oscars.
"The movie is judged through a detailed process based on filming criteria such as directing, storytelling, cinematography, screenplay, acting, sound mixing, musical scores, art arrangement, film editing and adherence to competition rules," said FINAS.
The film follows Aman who embarks illegally on a ride-hailing service as he does not have a driving license since he is colour blind. A chance meeting with Bella, an escort girl, leads to Aman becoming her driver. As their friendship becomes closer, complications ensue.
Interestingly, the film is in black and white and stars Amerul Affendi and Lim Mei Fen, and features Bront Palarae, Sharifah Amani, Nam Ron, Nadiya Nisaa, Chew Kin Wah, Jay Iswazir, Anas Ridzuan and Roslan Madun.
Director Muzzamer Rahman stated, "I'm excited because this film was completed in 2017. It's too long a journey to be delayed to get to this point."
It has already represented Malaysia at various international film festivals including the Udine Far East Film Festival, Italy; Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) Indonesia; Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, Canada; Asian Film Festival Barcelona; Spain and the Innovative International Film Festival in India.
The Academy Awards will be held in LA on 27 March next year.
(Photo Source: Prebet Sapu Instagram)
