KUALA LUMPUR: Horror features Khadam and Malam Terlarang are leading the charge at the 35th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM 35), bagging an impressive 12 nominations each and setting the stage for a spine-chilling showdown at the country's premier film awards.
Jointly produced by Astro Shaw and Infinitus Productions, Malam Terlarang secured nods in top categories including Best Film, Best Actress (Shasha Abedul), Best Supporting Actress (Datin Sofia Jane), and Most Promising Female Actor (Aila Azizul), Berita Harian reported.
The film also earned a posthumous Best Promising Director nomination for the late Nurhanisham Muhammad, affectionately known as Labu.
Its technical prowess was further recognised with nominations for Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Theme Song, Best Makeup, Best Costume Design, Best Poster, and Best Visual Effects.
Equally formidable is Redfilms and Komet Productions' Khadam, which captured spots in major races including Best Film, Best Director (Shamyl Othman), Best Supporting Actress (Zarra Zhaf), and Best Child Actor.
The haunting piece, created in collaboration with several co-production houses, earned additional nods for Best Original Story, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound Design, Best Theme Song, Best Makeup, and Best Poster.
Not far behind is Razaisyam Rashid's action-packed Tarung: Unforgiven, which racked up a solid 10 nominations to stay firmly in the title hunt.
The coveted Best Actor category promises a fierce battle among silver-screen heavyweights, pitting Shaheizy Sam (Badak) against Idan Aedan (Abah Saya Uncle Mike), Datuk Eman Manan (3 Hajat), Beto Kusyairy (Gayong 2), and Amerul Affendi (Libang Libu).
Meanwhile, the Best Actress crown sees an exciting blend of fresh faces and seasoned stars vying for glory, with Shasha Abedul (Malam Terlarang) going head-to-head against Aida Amron (Badak), Fish Liew (Payane For An Infant), Nad Zainal (Denu), and Mimi Lana (Polong).
Adding to the stakes, the grand winner of the Best Film award will walk away with a RM1 million grant under the Creative Content Fund (DKK).
This was officially announced by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching during the recent official launch and Top 5 nomination unveiling ceremony held at Menara FINAS in Damansara.
Also present were Finas Chairman Datuk Hans Isaac and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
In keeping with tradition, FFM 35 will bestow special recognition on four legendary industry figures who have made immense contributions to Malaysian cinema: Datuk Yusof Haslam, Noorkumalasari, AR Badul, and Norlia Ghani.
Anchored by the theme Spektrum Sinema (Spectrum of Cinema), FFM 35 will take place at Istana Budaya on Nov 21 and will be broadcast live on RTM's TV2.
Multi-talented entertainer Datuk Afdlin Shauki returns to host the glamorous evening, joined by popular co-host Amelia Henderson.
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