Pavane for an Infant, a Malaysian-Hong Kong co-production directed by award-winning filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, has been officially selected by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) to represent Malaysia at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) under the Best International Feature Film category.
Produced by Janji Pictures Production Sdn Bhd, the film follows a social worker at a baby-hatch centre in Kuala Lumpur who helps women facing stigma and hardship around motherhood in a conservative society.
Finas said in a statement that the selection “reflects the growing potential of Malaysian cinema,” adding that local films continue to gain recognition and respect internationally.
The selection was made by the Finas Film Selection Committee, comprising industry professionals and based on guidelines set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The film stars Fish Liew as Lai Sum, alongside Natalie Hsu (Taiwan), Ben Yuen (Hong Kong), and Malaysian veterans Pearlly Chua, Jasmine Suraya Chin, and Tan Mei Ling.
Premiering in Malaysian cinemas on Aug 14, Pavane for an Infant has already received international acclaim — winning the Youth Jury Award at the 39th Fribourg International Film Festival 2025 and the Golden Silk Road Award for Best Screenplay at the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival.
It has also been screened at several major festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival, Istanbul International Film Festival, New York Asian Film Festival, and Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival.
Finas reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local filmmakers and promoting Malaysian cinema globally, saying the country’s growing presence on the world stage is “a source of pride and inspiration for the industry.”
