Woo Ming Jin's "The Fox King" makes World Premiere at Toronto Int'l Film Festival

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Woo Ming Jin's "The Fox King" makes World Premiere at Toronto Int'l Film Festival

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Writer: Heidi Hsia

Director Woo Ming Jin and the team at TIFF

17 Sep - Malaysian director Woo Ming Jin's highly anticipated film," The Fox King", had its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The two screenings, held on 9 and 10 September at Scotiabank Theatre, were met with full-house audiences, receiving enthusiastic acclaim. Director Woo Ming Jin attended the screenings alongside lead actors Dian Sastrowardoyo, Idan Aedan and producers Yulia Evina Bhara, Edmund Yeo, and Chua Jing Xuan. Distinguished guests included Her Excellency Dato' Dr. Shazelina Zainul Abidin, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Canada, and Mr Henry Lee, Honorary Consul of Malaysia.

TIFF is the largest film festival in North America and one of the most prestigious platforms globally, known for launching many Oscar-winning films. The inclusion of "The Fox King" in the Centrepiece programme underscores the festival's recognition of Southeast Asian cinema on an international stage.

"The Fox King" is a co-production between Malaysia and Indonesia, produced by Greenlight Pictures, KawanKawan Media, Da Huang Pictures and SunStrong Entertainment, with support from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and the Ministry of Communications through the Digital Content Fund (DKD).

Director Woo Ming Jin shared his excitement, "We had a fantastic premiere of The Fox King at TIFF 50. We had a full house, and the audiences responded so positively to the film. The performances from our lead actors Dian and Idan truly kept the audiences enthralled in both laughter and tears. This screening was especially meaningful to me, as my twin brother lives in Toronto, making our presence here feel almost like fate. I am deeply grateful to the festival for embracing our film, and I look forward to sharing it soon with audiences in Malaysia and Indonesia."

Lead actress Dian Sastrowardoyo said, "It took me only one day just to decide I want to be in this project. The script was really breathtaking. It's such a page-turner. And I cried when I first read the script. I am really grateful for this opportunity."

Lead actress Dian Sastrowardoyo in all black as she attended the premiere

Producer Chua Jing Xuan added, "The film was mainly shot on the east coast of Malaysia. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the community, school, and locals who gave us such kind support during the shoot. We are very much looking forward to bringing this beautiful and touching film back to Malaysian cinemas and meeting the local audience soon."

The film tells the story of fraternal twins Ali (played by Idan Aedan) and Amir (Hadi Putra), who are forced to fend for themselves after their father (Amerul Affendi) abandons them upon remarrying a younger bride. The arrival of a new teacher, Lara (Dian Sastrowardoyo), further complicates their lives, putting their brotherly bond to the test.

Following its Toronto premiere, "The Fox King" is set for its Asian premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on 20 September, with plans for a theatrical release in Malaysia and Indonesia.