Singapore selects Malay comedy ‘La Luna’ for Oscars consideration

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay comedy film *La Luna* has been officially selected as Singapore’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.

According to AsiaOne, the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore announced *La Luna* as the nation’s Oscar submission in a statement released yesterday.

This Singapore-Malaysia production centers around a women’s lingerie shop that unexpectedly opens in the conservative village of Kampong Bras Basah in Perak, which serves as the backdrop for the story.

While the villagers embrace the shop’s owner, Hanie Abdullah (played by Sharifah Amani), whose late grandparents once resided there, the village’s fundamentalist and authoritarian headman, Tok Hassan (played by Wan Hanafi Su), is determined to expel her.

Though a comedy, *La Luna* offers a satirical critique of how patriarchal figures distort religion to justify violence against women.

Directed by Singaporean M. Raihan Halim, the film features a talented ensemble cast from both Malaysia and Singapore, including Shaheizy Sam, Hisyam Hamid, and Nadiya Nisaa, alongside Sharifah Amani and Wan Hanafi.

Raihan expressed his excitement, saying, “I am humbled, amazed, and honored to represent Singapore with our little film *La Luna*. My team and I are over the moon! Pun intended.”

Shaheizy added, “This is every actor’s dream—to be part of the world’s most prestigious awards event. I’m so grateful.”

Sharifah Amani reflected, “Portraying Hanie was a deeply personal experience for me. Seeing it recognized as Singapore’s official selection for the Oscars is surreal. This recognition is for all who believe in the power of storytelling to bridge divides. I’m truly grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”

*La Luna* premiered globally in October last year at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival and was screened in Singapore cinemas the following month. It also participated in the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival and was shown at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Shanghai International Film Festival earlier this year.

Singaporean actor Hisyam, who plays Pa’at—an ex-police officer and abusive husband—described his character as a stark contrast to his usual roles. “His ego is greatly affected; he needs professional help. I tried to immerse myself in his character. No man should ever hit a woman. Pa’at is very vulnerable and weak,” he said.

Fifteen films will be shortlisted for the award, with the announcement set for December 17. The final five nominees will be revealed on January 17, 2025, ahead of the Academy Awards on March 3 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.