Tang Xiangzhu's first feature film "Shayang" was shortlisted for 5 awards at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards

[Reporter Liao Lihui/Comprehensive Report] Golden Horse Award-winning documentary director Tang Xiangzhu spent more than 14 years creating his first feature film "Shayang". Yesterday (1st), he won five nominations at the 63rd Golden Horse Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, Best New Actor, Best Sound Effects and Best Visual Effects. Among them, Mhia Firdaus competed for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mina, a Malay deaf girl who loves Muay Thai, while Nandagopall Mohan played the role of Ajie, an Indian deaf boy in her first film, and was nominated for Best New Actor, which attracted much attention.

"Shayang" was nominated for 5 Golden Horse Awards. In addition to director Tang Xiangzhu competing for the best original screenplay, Wu Shuyao, Xu Qiaohan and Liu Peimin were nominated for the best sound effects. Guo Xiancong, Lin Xuanyi and Han Siying were nominated for the best visual effects.

Tang Xiangzhu, who won the Golden Horse Award for Best Documentary for "How High the Mountain", has been deeply attracted by the inclusive and harmonious daily life of the local diverse ethnic groups since his first visit to Malaysia 26 years ago. He condensed his emotions for the land and people of Malaysia for more than ten years into a script, and won the 44th Outstanding Film Script Award in 2022.

This is the first time he is competing for the Best Original Screenplay as a feature film director. Tang Xiangzhu said emotionally: "Although I have been nominated many times, this is the first time I have been nominated as a film director and screenwriter. It completely fits the theme of "Shayang" - 'Love and courage accompany each other, and the world will never be the same again.' Thank you to all the fate and friends who have made this possible for more than ten years. No one is missing."

Mia Faldaus, who is nominated for the Golden Horse Supporting Actress for the first time, is only 19 years old and will compete with the 76-year-old Weng Qianyu from "Sunshine Girls Choir". In the film, she plays Mina, a Malay deaf girl who loves Muay Thai and has the courage to pursue herself. She has a profound emotional exchange with Shanshan, played by Tang Yongxu. Wen Tianxiang, CEO of the Golden Horse Executive Committee, also highly praised Mia's performance at the shortlist press conference. He pointed out that the character's rivalry with his best friend Tang Yongxu was extremely beautiful in a cultural background where boxing is not encouraged by the family, and the emotional dynamics were very brilliant.

Mia comes from a family of well-known Malaysian actors. Farah Ahmad, who plays her mother in the film, is actually her biological mother. The real-life mother and daughter sharing the stage stirred up touching sparks. Mia also specially thanked her mother for her company in her acceptance speech: "This is an affirmation that I never thought of. I especially want to thank my mother, sister and sister. Their endless love and support mean a lot to me. Being able to have them by my side at this special moment makes the joy even more unforgettable."

Nanda Gubor, who plays the role of the deaf Indian boy "Ajay", made his film debut and was nominated for the Best New Actor. In the film, he was unable to express himself through dialogue, so he shocked the audience with his ritualistic Shiva dance and strong body language. After learning that he was shortlisted, he said emotionally: "Playing Ajie is an important milestone for me. It is an extremely precious honor to be entrusted to tell this story that represents many people." He even warmly shouted to the entire crew: "This shortlist belongs to everyone who has devoted themselves wholeheartedly. I want to call you 'The Sayangs of Sayang'". "Everyone who loves Sayang and cherishes Sayang" makes the word "Sayang", which carries love and care, extend from the title of the film into a common title belonging to the entire crew.

After the nominations for the Golden Horse Awards were announced, producer Yip Roofeng's comedy team and partners worked hard. Producer Wang Lilin also shared his joy, saying that he was very happy that the judges saw the beauty of "Sayang": "The process of making "Sayang" was very difficult, and the film carried the presentation of multiculturalism and different ethnic groups, but we overcame it one by one. Now that I have been recognized by the Golden Horse Award, I will definitely shed tears of happiness."

Producer Zhang Weizhen said that the most touching thing was that "Shayang" was "seen": "Because I believe that this 'seeing' is very precious. It requires a special viewing perspective and a sufficiently broad and diverse selection thinking. The Golden Horse gave this film the opportunity to be understood and seen." She is also particularly proud of all the shortlisted partners, saying that this recognition is the greatest reward for the long-term persistence and professionalism of the Taima team. "Sayang" will be released in Taiwan on October 16 and in Malaysia on November 5.