{
  "id": 18216017,
  "title": "3 local films doing interesting things with Malaysian stories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/3-local-films-doing-interesting-things-with-malaysian-stories-18216017",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/05/3-local-films-doing-interesting-things-with-malaysian-stories"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. \"Lunar July\" weaves the customs of the Hungry Ghost Festival into a supernatural tale, directed by JeRR PS Rion. The movie begins with a city rock band invited to perform at a village celebration during the seventh lunar month, where tensions arise when festival traditions are disregarded. JeRR aimed to explore the cultural significance of these rituals beyond mere horror decoration, highlighting themes of remembrance, compassion, and respect for the dead.\n\n2. \"The Last Dive\" tells a true story about five individuals with disabilities who perform their own underwater diving scenes in the film. Executive producer Wendy Wong emphasized the performers' agency and capability rather than sympathy. The movie follows Faiz, a former footballer paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident, and Amelia, a scuba instructor who helps disabled individuals experience the underwater world. Ninety percent of filming occurred at Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Bidong in Terengganu, with cast and crew receiving diving training and obtaining licenses.\n\n3. \"Sayang Sayang\" introduces three deaf teenagers from diverse ethnic backgrounds who navigate family relationships and the desire to be understood. Directed by Taiwan's Tang Hsiang-Chu and produced by Jin Ong, the film showcases Malaysia's multicultural identity through a local lens. The movie earned five nominations at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards and serves as an example of local cinema exploring underrepresented experiences.",
  "summary": "From Hungry Ghost traditions to disabled divers and deaf representation, these productions are finding fresh ways to tell local narratives.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}