'Baik Punya Ah Long' selected for Rotterdam film festival

KUALA LUMPUR - Datuk Afdlin Shauki's latest film, Baik Punya Ah Long, has been selected for screening at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), scheduled from Jan 30 to Feb 9.

Afdlin, 54, whose full name is Afdlin Shauki Aksan, said the film’s international recognition helps mitigate the disappointment of its lukewarm reception locally.

"This film was an experiment blending cinematic and musical elements, but it struggled to captivate the local audience. The production was particularly demanding, akin to creating an action film,” he shared.

"Alhamdulillah, its acceptance at an international platform, where the musical genre is more appreciated, is truly rewarding. I hope it resonates with European audiences and paves the way for more musical films, a genre I deeply enjoy,” he said after the launch of Unifi TV’s original series, Din Tiger, recently.

Produced by Astro Shaw in partnership with Petra Vision Works and Golden Screen Cinemas, Baik Punya Ah Long debuted in Malaysia on Sept 12 but only grossed RM1 million within three days of its release.

The film features an ensemble cast, including popular comedians Johan and Zizan Razak, alongside talented actors such as Liyana Jasmay, Adlin Aman Ramlie, Mia Sara Shauki, Adibah Noor, and Chew Kin Wah. It follows the story of two siblings, Aloy and Ale, who inherit and manage a licensed money lending business entrusted to them by their father.

In a related venture, Afdlin Shauki is branching out into crime drama with his new series, Din Tiger. The show draws inspiration from his personal experience and accounts from those who have been victims of fraud, offering a gripping narrative grounded in real-life events.

"I wrote this drama after falling victim to a scam involving an offer to secure funding for establishing a television station. However, I eventually realised I had been deceived, suffering a loss of more than RM200,000 a few years ago.

"This experience was a lesson from Allah SWT, teaching me that even those who consider themselves savvy can fall prey to scams. Fraud doesn’t discriminate-it can happen to anyone," he said.

He further highlighted that the drama takes a unique approach by delving into the perspective of fraudsters, exploring their carefully orchestrated and cunning modus operandi.

"I also sought advice from two former police officers who provided valuable insights and exposure about scams and how scammers operate using sophisticated networks.

"I hope this drama will not only raise awareness but also educate the public to be more vigilant against such crimes in the future," he added.

Din Tiger follows the story of a skilled scammer determined to leave the dirty world of scams behind in order to build a better life with his wife and child. However, he still has to confront his old enemies who are not willing to let him go so easily.

The drama series, featuring actors such as Josiah Hogan, Tony Eusoff, Datin Seri Nina Juren, Adam Corrie Lee, Ako Mustapha, and Mia Sara Shauki, will be aired exclusively on Degup HD Channel 120, starting Jan 6 at 11 pm. - BERNAMA