Singapore has selected director M. Raihan Halim's Malay-language comedy-drama The Moon as a nomination for the 2025 Academy Awards in the best international feature film category.
The film, a co-production between Singapore and Malaysia, is a comedy about a woman who opens a lingerie shop in a conservative village in Malaysia, tackling themes of tradition versus modernity with a light touch. The film was shot in the remote Malaysian city of Kuala Kangsar, near Ipoh, in the north-west of the country.
The Moon marks Raihan's second feature film after Banting (2014), which was Singapore's first Malay film since the 1970s. The film was warmly received at several regional film festivals. It premiered in the Asian Future section of the Tokyo International Film Festival and was featured at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival. Earlier this year, it was selected as the closing film at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and screened in the International Panorama section of the Shanghai International Film Festival.
Produced by Singaporean companies Clover Films and Papahan Films in collaboration with Malaysian companies ACT 2 Pictures and One Cool Film, The Moon features an ensemble cast that includes Shaheizy Sam (from recent hits Polis Evo 3 AND Malbatt), Sharifah Amani (best known for Sepet), Wan Hanafi Su and Hisyam Hamid.
The project was supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) through the Media Talent Progression Program. It was released in cinemas in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia in November 2023.
“I am simultaneously humbled, amazed and humbled to represent Singapore with our little film, The Moon”, Halim said in a statement. “My team and I are truly over the moon! Pun intended.”
“The Moon it is a great testament to Singapore's multilingual and multi-ethnic makeup that gives rise to interesting stories, said Justin Ang, deputy chief executive of IMDA. “We are proud of M Raihan Halim, the production team and the cast, and look forward to good news at the 2025 Oscars.”
Executive producer Lim Teck of Clover Films added: “We are so honoured The Moon to be selected as the official entry to Singapore. Congratulations to director Raihan, cast and crew for this achievement.”
The film's stars also shared their excitement. The Moon protagonist Sam said: “Being part of the most prestigious awards event in the world is every actor's dream, I'm so grateful.”
Actress Sharifah Amani added: “Being Hanie Abdullah in The Moon it was a deeply personal experience for me and now to see it recognized by Singapore as an official selection for the Oscars is simply surreal. Every film has its own life, and The Moon it looked like a work of art born from the passion and hard work of everyone involved.
Singapore has submitted films for the Academy Awards since 2005, but the country has never been nominated.
The shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final nominations revealed on January 17, 2025. The awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025.