Lots to love: ‘Sayang Sayang’ lands 5 Golden Horse nominations

The documentary-style film "Sayang Sayang" has garnered five nominations at the prestigious 63rd Golden Horse Awards, held in Taipei on November 22. Produced by Malaysian-Taiwanese collaboration, the movie follows the lives of three deaf teenagers from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Malaysia's east coast. Directed by Taiwan's Tang Hsiang-Chu, the film stars Nandagopall Mohan, Mhia Firdaus, and Sasha Tang, among others.

The story revolves around the characters' family dynamics, personal struggles, and desire to be understood and accepted. It is set on the picturesque coastlines of Kelantan and Terengganu, showcasing the unique blend of languages, traditions, and communities that make Malaysia's multicultural society so rich.

Notably, Mhia Firdaus becomes the first Malay actress to receive a Golden Horse nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Nandagopall is the first Malaysian Indian actor nominated for Best New Performer. The film also earned nominations for Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Effects, and Best Visual Effects.

The journey behind the scenes of "Sayang Sayang" was as challenging as the film itself. Director Ong had previously directed "Abang Adik" featuring a deaf character, which led to his collaboration with Tang on this project. Tang, an outsider with a deep appreciation for Malaysia, brought a fresh perspective that highlighted aspects of Malaysian life often overlooked by locals.

Filming the movie presented logistical difficulties, requiring the cast and crew to travel between Kelantan and Terengganu, transport equipment from Kuala Lumpur, and adapt to various shooting schedules. Despite the challenges, the team was welcomed by friendly locals and captivated by the stunning coastline.

Both Ong and Nandagopall hope that "Sayang Sayang" will remind audiences of the importance of human connection in a technology-driven world, celebrating the diversity of human life and encouraging viewers to appreciate the beauty in our differences.