KUALA LUMPUR, July 5 — Malaysian film Redha made its mark at the World Premieres Film Festival (WPFF) in Manila, Philippines on Sunday when lead actress June Lojong won Best Actress.
The first-time actress, who played opposite male lead Nam Ron — her real life husband — won the trophy just four days before her 38th birthday.
Redha was also awarded the Special Festival Prize for its universal social values by the jury for its moving story of Daniel, a six-year-old boy with autism, and the challenges faced by the boy and his family.
Redha features a stellar cast which includes Harith Haziq, Izzy Reef, Ruminah Sidek Nadiya Nisaa, Remy Ishak and Susan Lankester.
The film which cost RM3.5 million collected only RM491,072 domestically since its release in April according to figures issued by the National Film Development Corporation.
It has, however, grabbed the attention at the WPFF.
On Friday night, Redha played to a full house at a screening in Shang Cineplex of Shahri-La Plaza Mall in Manila for its Gala Premiere for the main competition.
The WPFF, from June 29 to Sunday, marked many firsts including the participation of China with eight film submissions, while Russia was also represented.
The indie fete, organised by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will showcase over 60 films in total this year.
Redha was fielded in the main competition alongside Young Love Lost (China); Daughters of the Three Tailed Banner (Philippines); By Accident (France); Love Above All Things (Spain) and Yen’s Life (Vietnam).
* This article first appeared in Malay Mail Afternoon E-Paper yesterday.
