Youth of Fudu Sets Record with 28 International Awards, Breaks ASEAN Record

Malaysia's film "Youth of Fudu" celebrates another success, receiving the "ASEAN Record" award for being the "first Chinese film to win the most international awards, film festival nominations, and screenings worldwide", recognizing the film's pioneering achievements within ASEAN countries. To date, "Youth of Fudu" has won 28 international awards, been selected and nominated at 69 international film festivals, and screened in 21 countries and 26 cities.

Directed by Wang Liling, produced by Angelica Lee, and starring Wu Kangren and Jack Tan, "Youth of Fudu" began showcasing at international film festivals worldwide in 2023, subsequently garnering numerous international accolades, bringing glory to the nation. Wang Liling accepted this honor at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) on Monday.

He stated, "This is another milestone for 'Youth of Fudu', and the most important recognition for all the cast and crew, actors, investors, and producers involved. I am also very grateful for the strong support and assistance from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia."

Additionally, he revealed that the new work "Sayang" will start filming in April, a story about Malaysia's three major ethnic groups, written by Taiwanese director Tang Xiangzhu over a decade. "Tang is part of the team from the film 'Summer Holiday', and has deep feelings about Malaysia's ethnic culture, creating this poetic story, planning to shoot on the East Coast."

Jack Tan, who played Adi in 'Youth of Fudu', is delighted with the film's success, feeling that 'Youth of Fudu' has elevated the standard of Malaysian film and television works. He joked, "This is the 'longest movie promotion' I've participated in, and I am moved by everyone's enduring love and support for the movie."

The CEO of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin, revealed that initially, FINAS recommended 'Youth of Fudu' for an Oscar submission, marking the first time Malaysia recommended a Chinese film for the competition. Although it didn't make it into the top 15, it showcased more Malaysian works on the international stage. He also mentioned, according to undisclosed information, "Youth of Fudu" reached the top 20, which was already very encouraging.

On another note, Azmir Saifuddin particularly mentioned this year's fierce competition during the festive season, where local movies currently occupy the top box office positions. He is very proud that Malaysian films have set new high records at the box office during this period and surpassed Hong Kong and Singapore festive films, expressing gratitude to Malaysian audiences for their support of local films, humorously describing the box office race as thrilling as watching a football match.

He stated that Malaysia needs more emerging film and television talents, showcasing Malaysian works to the world through various platforms, and that FINAS actively plays a role in promoting and encouraging, offering timely subsidies and assisting Malaysian film and television personnel in bringing good works to audiences both domestically and internationally in the future.