Malaysian film “The Assistant” has received good news from international film festivals, with the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) revealing that the film has been officially selected for competition at the Far East Film Festival (FEFF) and has received its World Premiere. The film is being screened at an international festival for the first time.
“I was thrilled to receive the news that “The Assistant” has been selected for competition and had its international premiere at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy. It has always been part of the Malaysian International Film Festival's philosophy to show the best of Malaysian cinema to the international film industry" said MIFFest Chairperson Joanne Goh. This year also marks the first collaboration between the MIFFest and the FEFF in Italy, and the two festivals hope that the exchange will pave the way for new milestones in both the East and West's film and film industries.
“The Assistant” symbolises Malaysia's international fame, on which director Adrian Teh stated "I am honored to be recognised by the Far East Film Festival, with the great support from MIFFest. We are looking forward to the world premiere of “The Assistant”, we hope that the audience in Udine will enjoy our film." The film is set to hit major Malaysian cinemas nationwide this 19th May.
Adrian Teh reveals that during filming, everyone did their best to complete the entire production, and that the shortlisting was the result of the combined efforts of all the team. He also said bluntly, "Thanks to their superb performances, it was possible to bring the play to life."
“The Assistant” tells the story of Zafik (played by Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin), who is wrongfully imprisoned for his mistakes. After he loses everything, he meets Feroz (played by Hairul Azreen) who always seems to appear at the right time. As time goes on, will Zafik discover Feroz's true motives? Henley Hii and Coby Chong play the roles of Sam and Ah Huat respectively.
“The Assistant” is a local action thriller, collaborated between Sony Pictures Entertainment Malaysia and Act 2 Pictures. It’s directed, written and produced by Adrian Teh. It is also the first time Act 2 Pictures has collaborated with a Hollywood studio.
Catch “The Assistant” in cinemas nationwide this 19th May 2022.
