Malaysian Film ‘Karaoke’ Selected For Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight
A Malaysian drama that features karaoke-video interludes and sweeping vistas of a palm-oil plantation won the Best Editor honors at the 4th Asian Film Award, Lee Chatametikool won the award for Karaoke.
KARAOKE is Chris’ first feature-length film. Prior to this, the Sabah-born film director and media artist has received worldwide acclaim for his short film BLOCK B (2008), and the documentary KOLAM (2007).
KARAOKE, written by award-winning playwright, writer and singer-songwriter Shanon Shah, who also wrote the songs and music for the film, showcases performances from an impressive cast led by Zahiril Adzim and supported by Mislina Mustaffa, Mohammad Hariry, Amerul Affendi and Nadiya Nissa. Newcomers Zahiril Adzim and Amerul Affendi most recently wowed Malaysian audiences in the play ‘Air Con’, coincidentally also written by Shanon Shah. Another internationally renowned Sabah-born talent, artist Yee I-Lann, served as the production designer on the film.
Produced by Chris’ own Tanjung Aru Pictures, the 75-minute Malay-language KARAOKE was shot on location in Selangor over 12 days in December 2008. But even before the film was shot, KARAOKE was invited to the Berlin Film Festival’s Script Clinic in 2007, and was selected to participate in the Hong Kong-Asian Film Financing Forum (HAF) in 2008.
The Story
Set in a village estate of a Malaysian oil palm plantation … Betik returns home.
During the day, Betik helps shoot karaoke videos, while at night, he lends a hand to his reluctant mother at the family’s karaoke joint. This is the place where he falls for Anisah. A job, a love and a family. His return home comes together quickly.
But life isn’t so innocent. Everybody wants something. Subtle manipulations driven by self interest and personal desires seep through yet the songs continue to be sung. Unwavering.
The home has changed. The oil palm trees have grown in endless symmetry. The landscape rusts and the nostalgia turns.
