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| Malaysia’s “Pavane for an Infant (搖籃凡世)” Officially Selected for the 98th Academy Awards — A New Milestone for Malaysian Cinema |
It’s a proud day for Malaysia’s growing film scene. The Malaysian–Hong Kong co-production Pavane for an Infant has officially been chosen to represent Malaysia at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) under the Best International Feature Film category — a massive step forward for Southeast Asian cinema.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, the film carries an emotional narrative that quietly pierces through cultural barriers.
It’s not just another prestige drama — it’s a heartfelt reflection on motherhood, faith, and the quiet strength of women navigating societal judgement.
A Story Rooted in Humanity and Hope
Produced by Janji Pictures Production Sdn Bhd, Pavane for an Infant follows a compassionate social worker who dedicates her life to helping women at a baby-hatch centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Through her eyes, we see stories of struggle, stigma, and perseverance in a society that often demands silence from women facing difficult choices.
The film’s tone is intimate and deeply humane — touching on themes that many might shy away from, yet doing so with tenderness and grace. It’s a film that doesn’t shout; it listens.
Malaysia’s Growing Presence on the Global Stage
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| “Pavane for an Infant” Marks Malaysia’s Big Step Towards the 98th Academy Awards |
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) made the announcement, highlighting that this selection marks another strong step in Malaysia’s journey toward international recognition.
“The selection of ‘Pavane for an Infant’ as Malaysia’s representative reflects the growing potential of local cinema, which continues to earn recognition on the international stage,” FINAS said in a statement.
The film was chosen by FINAS’s Film Selection Committee — a panel of experienced industry figures — following official guidelines from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
FINAS also reaffirmed its mission to support Malaysian filmmakers in gaining a foothold globally.
Award-Winning and Globally Recognised
Even before the Oscar nod, Pavane for an Infant had already made its mark worldwide.
It clinched the Youth Jury Award at the 39th Fribourg International Film Festival 2025 and the Golden Silk Road Award for Best Screenplay at the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival.
These accolades, alongside its warm reception at international screenings, solidified its reputation as one of 2025’s standout Asian films.
The film has also travelled extensively across the festival circuit — from the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival (where it premiered under the Asian Future Competition) to the 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival, the 44th Istanbul International Film Festival, the 24th New York Asian Film Festival, and the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.
Critics across the board have praised Chong Keat Aun’s direction for its delicate balance between emotional restraint and visual poetry.
Continuing Malaysia’s Oscar Legacy
Pavane for an Infant continues the proud legacy of Malaysian films that have carried the nation’s flag into the Oscar race, joining the ranks of Tiger Stripes (2023) and The Journey (2014).
Its Oscar selection is more than just an award submission — it’s a symbol of how far Malaysia’s film industry has come, especially in telling stories that matter beyond borders.
TL;DR
🎬 Pavane for an Infant (搖籃凡世) — Malaysia’s latest Oscar contender — is a touching social drama by Chong Keat Aun about motherhood, compassion, and faith.
🏆 Officially representing Malaysia at the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
🌏 Already an award-winner across Fribourg, Silk Road, Tokyo, and Hong Kong festivals.
💬 A moving milestone for Malaysia’s growing cinematic voice on the world stage.
Source: OrientalDaily MY