Lots to love: ‘Sayang Sayang’ lands 5 Golden Horse nominations

With its mix of languages, traditions and communities, Malaysia’s multicultural society has long provided rich ground for storytelling. But it can sometimes take an outsider’s perspective to remind Malaysians just how distinctive the country is.

That idea sits at the heart of producer Jin Ong’s latest film, “Sayang Sayang”. The Malaysian-Taiwanese collaboration has earned five nominations at the prestigious 63rd Golden Horse Awards, which will take place in Taipei on Nov 22.

“I believe film is a wonderful medium because it has the ability to connect people from different parts of the world,” said Ong, who previously directed 2023’s highly acclaimed “Abang Adik”.

“What makes me happiest is that ‘Sayang Sayang’, a poetic Malaysian film, has received recognition from the judges. This recognition belongs to everyone who worked on the film.”

Directed by Taiwan’s Tang Hsiang-Chu, “Sayang Sayang” follows three deaf teenagers from different ethnic backgrounds as they navigate family relationships, personal struggles, and their desire to be accepted and understood.

Set against the coastlines of Kelantan and Terengganu, the drama stars Nandagopall Mohan as Ajay, Mhia Firdaus as Mina and Sasha Tang as San San. The cast also includes Jo Kukathas, Lee Lee-Zen, Ong Ai Leng, Farah Ahmad and Khir Rahman.

Titled “Sayang” in overseas markets, the film has also made history through its acting nominations. Mhia is the first Malay actress to be nominated for a Golden Horse for Best Supporting Actress, while Nandagopall is the first Malaysian Indian actor to be nominated for Best New Performer.

Its other nominations are for Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Effects and Best Visual Effects.

Ong’s involvement in “Sayang Sayang” began in early 2022, while he was preparing “Abang Adik”, which also featured a deaf character.

His producer had previously met Tang, who had spent years developing a screenplay about Malaysia. Despite being Taiwanese, Tang had grown deeply fond of the country through his earlier work here as a sound recordist.

Intrigued, Ong asked to read the screenplay, thus setting their collaboration in motion.

“The fact that both ‘Abang Adik’ and ‘Sayang Sayang’ explored similar themes was a remarkable coincidence. I think it must have been fate,” Ong said with a laugh.

“Through ‘Sayang Sayang’, I once again had the opportunity to better understand the world of deaf individuals, particularly those from different backgrounds and families, and to appreciate their different experiences.”

He noted that the perspectives of the overseas filmmakers can help highlight aspects of Malaysian life that locals may take for granted – from interactions among ethnic communities to the easy coexistence of multiple languages.

Even so, cultural authenticity remains essential: while Tang’s screenplay draws heavily on imagination, the production team conducted research and made adjustments to ensure the film reflects Malaysian realities.

Filming “Sayang Sayang” proved to be one of the biggest logistical challenges of Ong’s career. The production involved moving 100 cast and crew members between Kelantan and Terengganu, transporting equipment from Kuala Lumpur and coordinating demanding shooting schedules.

Some scenes were filmed at sea, on offshore islands and underwater, all while ensuring the team worked within local regulations.

“The locals were very friendly. The scenery was completely different from what we were used to, and the coastline was truly captivating,” Ong expressed.

“I hope more international audiences will get to know Kelantan and Terengganu.”

For Nandagopall, filming “Sayang Sayang” was equally memorable. The project marked both his feature-film debut and his first visit to those states.

Playing Ajay, who experiences involuntary tics and loves dancing, proved both physically and emotionally demanding. He worked with a choreographer, acting teacher and sign-language coach, and also met people with tics to better understand their lives.

“The biggest challenge was telling Ajay’s story in a truthful and authentic way, something I kept reminding myself of every day,” the 26-year-old said.

Both he and Ong hope the film will remind audiences of the importance of human connection in an increasingly technology-driven world, encouraging them to look beyond their own circumstances while celebrating the diversity of human life.

‘Sayang Sayang’ will be screened in Malaysian cinemas from Nov 5.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.