"Aqerat" in competition at Tokyo International Film Festival

"You try to go there, and if you can't make it, you can turn around", the cinematographer gave me a polite choice while pointing at the high pipes above the river. With that, I carefully climbed and perform the scene. It turned put pretty fine.

The film is titled, "Aqerat" which means life after death in Rohingyan language. The film is directed by Edmund Yeo whose previous films "River of Exploding Durians" and "Kingyo" were in competition at the Tokyo International Film Festival and Venice respectively. His latest work stars Daphne Lau, Kahoe Hon and Ruby Yap.

Synopsis: Hui Ling’s life will truly begin as soon as she makes it to Taiwan. Or so she thinks. Right now, she is at the Thai-Malaysian border, working odd jobs and saving money. Determined to make it even when she loses all her savings, she accepts her boss’ offer for quick money as a human trafficker. As she descends into the darkness of her sordid trade, she witnesses the atrocities perpetrated against the Rohingya immigrants. Her beacon of light through this is Wei, a young hospital worker who believes that she is a woman from his past. AQÉRAT is a sweeping tale of displacement and morality in contemporary Malaysia

In the film, I play a hospital attendant/ best friend to Kahoe's character. Getting to know the map of the character's heart, he's the type of guy who is sensitive, shares his innermost thoughts, enjoys late night conversations and writes poetry. At the same time, he is and carefree and pretty chill.

Few weeks ago, we received great news. "Aqerat" was selected from 1, 538 titles from 88 countries and regions to compete at the Main Competition section along with 14 other films for the ultimate Tokyo Grand Prix Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival (Tokyo IFF). The winner is to be decided by a five-member jury led by Academy Award winner, Tommy Lee Jones.

Edmund's documentary, "Yasmin-San" about director Yukisada Isao shooting his film "Pigeon" in Malaysia and how it's influenced by the late Yasmin Ahmad will also be making its premiere at the festival, making him the first Malaysian director to premiere 2 films at the festival. The 30th Tokyo IFF will take place from Oct 25 to Nov 3 at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.