Malaysia picks "Roh" as official entry for 93rd Academy Awards

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Malaysia picks "Roh" as official entry for 93rd Academy Awards

Writer: Nisa Irina

"Roh" is one of the most well-received Malaysian horror movies of 2020.

5 Nov – The National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) has announced that the Kuman Pictures-produced horror movie "Roh" is Malaysia's official submission for the 93rd Academy Awards, which is set to be held in April 2021.

The feature directorial debut by Emir Ezwan has been submitted for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category.

FINAS' Film Selection Committee said in a statement that following FINAS' call for local filmmakers to submit movies that will be considered to represent Malaysia at next year's Oscars, it has received encouraging submissions from filmmakers.

The committee then selected "Roh" as Malaysia's entry for the prestigious film festival.

"Since 2004, FINAS has been submitting a local film every year to compete at the Oscars as each country is requested to submit its best film.

"The selection of "Roh" was done by the FINAS Film Selection Committee that's made up of experienced and professional local film experts.

"FINAS is committed in supporting every effort to drive the Malaysian film industry to international level," it stated.

The detailed evaluating process is based on filming criteria such as directing, storytelling, cinematography, screenplay, sound mixing, scoring, visual effects and editing, as well as being in line with the competition rules set by the Oscars organisers.

Previously, "Roh" was able to make a mark at the box office by collecting more than RM500,000 after six weeks of screening at cinemas in Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, despite the world still facing the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Roh" features only six cast members: Farah Ahmad, Mhia Farhana, Harith Haziq and Putri Syahadah Nurqaseh, as well as husband-and-wife duo Namron and Junainah M. Lojong.

Cinema Online, 05 November 2020