Front row, fifth from left: Ms
Pearlly Chua, Mr Chong and Ms Wan Fang with participants
On 18 July 2024, UTAR Sungai Long
Campus students were treated to an insightful sharing session by Mr Chong
Keat Aun, an esteemed Malaysian film director who grew up in Kedah. Joining
him were Ms Wan Fang, known for singing the theme song of the Hong Kong film
“C'est la vie, mon chéri” and starring in numerous Taiwanese TV dramas, and
Ms Pearlly Chua, a renowned Malaysian actress who rose to fame in her
twenties in Singapore and Malaysia. They shared an enriching session centred
on their latest cinematic masterpiece, “Snow in Midsummer”.
The sharing session was organised by UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) in collaboration with Click Entertainment Sdn Bhd. The sharing session not only aimed to promote the film but also sought to inspire and empower aspiring filmmakers with practical knowledge and artistic vision. The session garnered the attendance of more than 150 participants.
From left: Mr Chong, Ms Wan Fang and
Ms Pearlly Chua
During the session, Mr Chong
discussed his journey from radio to television and eventually to film—a
straightforward yet extensive path. He also provided background information
on their film. He advised, “If you aspire to be in the film industry, don’t
let obstacles deter you. If you fear obstacles, perhaps filmmaking is not
the right path for you.”
On the other hand, Ms Wan Fang and
Ms Pearlly Chua shared their feelings about receiving the invitation to star
in the film, their decision to participate in the film and the challenges of
bringing the characters to life on screen.
Ms Pearlly Chua emphasised the
importance of respecting fellow workers as a director. She noted that
disrupting the psychological and emotional balance of actors is
disrespectful as it prevents them from performing at their best. She
advised, “You need to invest in your life by accumulating experiences to
understand life and humanity.”
Ms Wan Fang also stressed that an
actor’s role is not to simply mimic but to fully embody the essence of what
they are portraying.
The vibrant and lively sharing
session ended with an interactive Q&A session and a group photography
session. The exchange provided invaluable insights into the interaction of
art and culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cinematic craft.
“Snow in Midsummer” was awarded the “Special Mention Musa Cinema & Arts Award” at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and the “Firebird Award for Best Film” at the 48th Hong Kong International Film Festival. It also earned nine nominations at the 60th Golden Horse Awards.
Participants listening attentively during the sharing session
Front row, seated from right: Ms Pearlly Chua, Ms Wan Fang and Mr Chong sharing their inputs
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