30 Nov - Actress-director Tan Chui Mui has recently been nominated Best Actress at the 32nd Malaysian Film Festival (FFM). The filmmaker, who was nominated for her performance in the film, "Barbarian Invasion" (aka "Belenggu"), admitted to be surprised by the news, adding lightheartedly, " I am not too impressed by my own acting, and I was expecting nominations in director or screen play. Anyway, I had already been asked by a few directors to act in their films...." "Looks like I have a midlife career change," she said with a laugh. Other nominees for Best Actress including Sangeeta Krishnasamy ("Juang"), Mei Fen Lim ("Prebet Sapu"), Bernice Chauly ("Spilt Gravy") and Sara Ali ("Air Force the Movie: Selagi Bernyawa").
Tan is also elated by Sangeeta's nomination, saying, "Both Sangeetha and me were in the Joe Hasham's acting for beginners workshop long time ago. And we were partners for the performance so we are going to drive to Malacca together!" Apart from the Best Actress category, "Barbarian Invasion" is also nominated for another two awards - Best Poster Design and Best Make-up. "Barbarian Invasion" follows a washed-up female actor who is offered a comeback opportunity after a devastating divorce, only to find her ex-husband cast opposite her. The film is showing now in 33 cinemas throughout Malaysia, without the protection of FINAS' Mandatory Screening Scheme (Skim Wajib Tayang). The awards ceremony will take place on 2 December in Encore Melaka.