Sepet is a 2005 Malaysian Malay-language teen romantic comedy-drama film set in Ipoh, Malaysia. Directed by the late Yasmin Ahmad, it tells of a love that blooms between a Chinese boy and a Malay girl. “Sepet” is a Malay word which, in this context, refers to the “slit eyes” of the Chinese.

Don't miss: Yasmin Ahmad’s Talentime & More Films To Watch Online Now At The True Colours Film Festival 2020

As a trailblazer in Malaysian cinema, Sepet remains a timeless exploration of love that transcends boundaries, echoing the sentiment that, ultimately, the human experience is a tapestry woven from threads of connection, understanding, and the courage to defy societal norms. The film would go on to win the Le Grand Prix du Jury at the 27th Créteil International Women’s Film Festival in France and the Best Asian Film Award at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival.

The Journey is a 2014 Malaysian Chinese-language comedy-drama film directed by Chiu Keng Guan and written by Ryon Lee. The film, which starred Ben Andrew Pfeiffer, Lee Sai Peng, and Joanne Yew Hong Im, follows a father who finally allows his daughter to wed an English lad with the condition that he would follow him on a journey around the nation to deliver their wedding invitation.

Read more: Timur Gabriel is ready for the big screen

The Journey was invited to be screened at the 16th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, and it won four awards from six nominations at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival (including Best Non-Malay Language Film).

Set in the 1980s against the backdrop of a nation striving for unity, Ola Bola is an uplifting fictional tale about an unlikely multicultural team of footballers who have to overcome their disagreements and personal struggles for a chance on the international stage.

See also: 6 Malaysian female actors and filmmakers who are making waves internationally

Inspired by true events, this original story by Chiu Keng Guan celebrates glorious days when the entire nation stood as one behind their triumphant national team. More than a sports film, Ola Bola is a celebration of Malaysia’s diversity, a reminder of the strength found in unity, and an ode to the indomitable human spirit.

Guang, a 2018 Malaysian drama film by Quek Shio Chuan, tells the story of an autistic young man with a hidden musical talent who struggles to find a job and his relationship with his brother. Wen Guang (played by Kyo Chen) is a young man who is autistic, he cannot focus and struggles to socialise with other people. His younger brother (played by Ernest Chong) wants him to look for a job so they can share their burden.

Don't miss: Acclaimed filmmaker Dain Said: Falling back in love with Kuala Lumpur through stories

As Wen Guang tries to find a job, he continues his secret passion, collecting and finding the perfect glasses and uncovering a hidden talent. With its compelling narrative and resonant performances, this Malaysian cinematic gem has earned acclaim not only for its portrayal of autism but also for its universal themes that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Tiger Stripes is a 2023 Malaysian Malay-language body horror film written and directed by Amanda Nell Eu in her directorial debut. It follows the story of 12-year-old Zaffan (played by Zafreen Zairizal), who lives in a small rural community in Malaysia. As she hits puberty, her body changes at an alarming rate, and she begins noticing strange changes in her body that she has no control over.

Read more: Sundance winner Kayla Abuda Galang on the pressures of being an Asian-American filmmaker

The film premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2023, where it won the Critics' Week Grand Prize. It was also selected as the Malaysian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

Directed by Perak-born filmmaker Jin Ong, Abang Adik follows the story of two undocumented orphans in Malaysia who adopted each other as ‘brothers’ when growing up. Set in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, the movie captures their unique and compelling journey.

See also: These influential Asian actors and filmmakers have made their mark on Hollywood and beyond

The film has bagged multiple awards, including the Best Lead Performance, Jury Award, and Audience Award at the Sea Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival, as well as the Golden Mulberry Audience Award, the Black Dragon Critics’ Prize, and the White Mulberry Award for the best first feature at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy.

Malaysia’s film landscape witnessed a groundbreaking moment with Pendatang, Malaysia’s first entirely crowdfunded movie, quickly becoming the talk of the town when it premiered on December 21, 2023.

Don't miss: ‘Fresh Off The Boat’ star and 'Shortcomings' director Randall Park on his struggles for success and true representation

The dystopian thriller, the brainchild of writer Lim Boon Siang and director Ken Kin, centres on a Chinese-Malaysian family that’s forced to relocate to a rural area after a minor traffic offence at a time when different races are forbidden to mix. Then, their world takes a turn when they encounter a lost and scared Malay girl hiding in their new house after they had been relocated to a Chinese-only settlement.

NOW READ

How Malaysian filmmaker Jared Lee plans to use his success for the local content creator community

Up close with award-winning Malaysian filmmaker Chong Keat Aun

Award-winning Malaysian filmmaker Yih Wen Chen's stories start with a gut feeling