Malaysian Filmmaker Wins Big at inDrive’s Alternativa Film Awards 2024
TL;DR:
- inDrive’s Alternativa Film Awards celebrate films with artistic merit and social impact.
- The 2024 awards ceremony took place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
- Malaysian filmmaker Mickey Lai won the Shorts Award for her film “WASHHH”.
- “WASHHH” tackles a sensitive cultural topic and aims to spark conversation.
The Alternativa Film Project, a global initiative by inDrive that supports emerging filmmakers in developing film industries, recently announced the winners of its 2024 Alternativa Film Awards in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The awards recognize films that demonstrate artistic excellence and address important social issues.
A Platform for Emerging Talent
This year’s competition saw a diverse selection of 25 films, including 13 feature-length films and 12 short films, from 14 Asian countries and in 20 different languages. An independent jury of renowned filmmakers and social impact experts evaluated the entries. The total prize fund amounted to USD $100,000, with each winner in the four full-length categories receiving USD $20,000 and each winner in the Shorts Award category receiving USD $10,000.
Malaysian Filmmaker Takes Home Award
Mickey Lai, a Malaysian filmmaker, was one of the two winners in the Shorts Award category for her film “WASHHH.” The film tells the story of a young Chinese trainee in a Malaysian National Service camp who is tasked with leading her multiracial group in washing sanitary pads during the night.
“WASHHH” garnered recognition for its courage in tackling a taboo subject and sparking conversations on cultural beliefs and social norms.
A Story of Resilience and Social Impact
Mickey Lai expressed her gratitude for the award, highlighting the film’s exploration of social and cultural tensions. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in addressing sensitive topics and inspiring others to do the same.
Kamila Andini, a member of the international jury, commended the film’s sensitive portrayal of a complex issue faced by young women in Southeast Asia. She praised the film’s cinematography and performances for capturing the emotional depth of the topic.
Celebrating the Power of Cinema
Liza Surganova, Head of the Alternativa Film Project, congratulated all the winners. She emphasized the transformative power of cinema in pushing artistic boundaries, tackling critical social issues, and inspiring positive change. The Alternativa Film Project aims to empower filmmakers who champion social change through storytelling.
Looking Forward
The Alternativa Film Awards 2024, held in Indonesia, marked the second edition of the prestigious event. The first edition took place in Kazakhstan in 2023. The Alternativa Film Project has announced Latin America as its new focus region for 2025, with the third ceremony and awards planned for 2026.
For a complete list of winners and more information about the Alternativa Film Awards & Festival 2024, please visit https://alternativa.film/awards-2024.html.
