Main image via The Star + Letterboxd
In 2019, we had many Malaysians who were making the country proud around the world for the accomplishments and achievements. Now, in 2020, it’s safe to say that that trend is still very much alive and we couldn’t be happier!
This time around, TWO Malaysians are giving us a reason to be proud at the upcoming 2020 Oscars!
via GIPHY
Teng Poh Si and Cheyenne Tan are two United States-based Malaysians whose only intentions were to make a documentary to tell the stories of the marginalized.
Little did they know that their documentary – St. Louis Superman, would take them to the 2020 Oscars in the top 10 shortlist for Best Documentary (Short Subject)!
Poh Si and Cheyenne’s documentary was shortlisted from a pool of 96 short documentaries.
Image via Malay Mail
“Never did we think that our short documentary would come this far,” said Poh Si to StarLifestyle.
“Our intent was to learn from our subject, Bruce Franks Jr, and to make sure we tell a story that is true and fair to him and those affected by gun violence and systemic discrimination from the state,” she said.
Directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan, the 25-minute documentary chronicles the journey of Bruce who was inspired to enter politics after the shooting of an unarmed African-American teenager – Michael Brown Jr.; by a white police officer, near where he lived.
Bruce is an activist and rapper who ran for the Missouri House of Representatives in 2016 and won.
Image via docnyc.net
“Surround yourself with people who aren’t from where you come from, and who you might strongly disagree with,” Poh Si advises aspiring Malaysian documentarians and filmmakers. “That’s a good starting point to find stories that you need to tell, and to understand the world for yourself.”
“I think there are still so many Malaysian stories that are waiting to be told and I’m dying to see it from the perspective of the Malaysian people,” she said. “It’s important for us to start telling our own stories and to support other filmmakers who are telling the stories of the marginalized, discriminated and oppressed communities in the country.”
The Oscar nominations will be announced on 13th January while the award ceremony will be held on 9th February.
We’re crossing our fingers and toes for this talented duo! Congratulations on being shortlisted and a big GOOD LUCK to Poh Si and Cheyenne! We’re rooting for you!
Info via The Star