TORONTO, Sept 12 — Malaysian director Woo Ming Jin’s The Fox King made its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), drawing full-house screenings and enthusiastic acclaim.

TIFF, the largest film festival in North America and a launchpad for many Oscar winners, placed the Malaysia-Indonesia co-production in its Centrepiece programme, a recognition of South-east Asian cinema on the global stage.

“We had a fantastic premiere of The Fox King at TIFF 50. We had a full house, and the audiences responded so positively to the film,” Woo said in a press release today, adding that the moment was especially meaningful as his twin brother lives here.

The film tells the story of fraternal twins Ali (Idan Aedan) and Amir (Hadi Putra) struggling after their father (Amerul Affendi) remarries, only to have their lives further shaken by the arrival of a new teacher, Lara (Dian Sastrowardoyo).

“It took me only one day just to decide I want to be in this project. The script was really breathtaking. It’s such a page-turner. And I cried when I first read the script,” Indonesian actress Dian who plays the lead, recalled.

“I’m very grateful to be here at TIFF 50. Super emotional after watching the film and the audience were amazing. It’s also my first time watching it! Such a beautiful piece by Woo Ming Jin,” Malaysian actor Idan, who plays Ali, said.

The Fox King is a joint production between Malaysia and Indonesia, backed by Greenlight Pictures, KawanKawan Media, Da Huang Pictures, and SunStrong Entertainment, with support from Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and the Ministry of Communications.

Following its Toronto debut, the film will have its Asian premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on September 20 before heading to cinemas in Malaysia and Indonesia.