KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 — Two films directed by Syafiq Yusof, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga and Soloz: Game Of Life, stole the spotlight as both were listed among the Top 5 nominees for Best Film at the 34th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM34).
Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, co-directed by Abhilash Chandra, received 13 nominations across 11 of the 25 contested categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Stunt Action, and Best Screenplay.
The film, produced by Skop Productions and Primeworks Studios, which grossed over RM70 million, was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Art Direction, Best Theme Song, and Best Costume Design.
Interestingly, three actors from the film — Shukri Yahaya, Syazwan Zulkifli, and Syafiq Kyle — were all nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category, while Sharnaaz Ahmad was nominated for Best Actor.
Meanwhile, Soloz: Game Of Life earned 11 nominations in 11 categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Most Promising Actor, and Best Original Story.
The film, inspired by the life of renowned Malaysian e-sports player Muhammad Faris Zakaria, was also nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, and Best Theme Song.
Other nominees for Best Film include Takluk: Lahad Datu, Reversi, and Babah.
In the Best Short Film category, the five nominees are Jerat, Rhythm of Rainforest, Syurga Itu Mahal, Saranghae, and Tunggu Abah. For Best Documentary, the contenders are Jusit Rantai, Nadi Peralihan Tenaga, The Tides Will Decide, Rindu Tak Berpenghujung, and Derita Zara.
The Best Actress category is expected to be highly competitive, with Telaga Suriram co-stars Nabila Huda and Maya Karin vying against each other, alongside Sofia Jane (Mencari Ramlee), Khatijah Tan (Jangan Pandang Belakang… Aku Tahu Asal Usulmu), and Sweet Qismina, who delivered a strong performance in Babah.
Amir Ahnaf and Fadhli Masoot from Kahar Kapla High Council will compete with Hun Haqeem (Soloz: Game Of Life), Vijay Ganesh (Mirugasirisham), and Koh Teng Huat for the Most Promising Actor award.
The announcement was made during the FFM34 Top 5 Launch and Opening Ceremony last night, officiated by Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) with the support of the Ministry of Communications, FFM34 — themed ‘Karya Kreatif, Sinema Dinamik’ (Creative Works, Dynamic Cinema)— received 41 feature film entries, 26 short films, and 23 documentaries during the submission period from July 8 to 25.
As part of the government’s continued support for local filmmakers, the winner of the Best Film category will receive RM1 million in funding through the Creative Content Fund (DKK).
Winners in 27 categories will each receive RM5,000 and a trophy, while recipients of Special Awards will receive RM10,000 and a trophy.
Additionally, RM20,000 worth of Finas facilities and equipment rental will be awarded across seven categories — Best New Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Film, and Best Short Film.
To honour veteran artistes who have shaped Malaysia’s cinematic journey, Finas will also hold a Tribute Programme to recognise four film industry icons — Datin Rusnani Jamil, Ruminah Sidek, Datuk Rahim Razali, and Othman Hafsham.
The FFM34 Awards Night will take place on Nov 1 at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri, hosted by actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki and Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim.
The event will be broadcast live on RTM’s TV2 and Finas’ YouTube channel. — Bernama
