In a groundbreaking moment for cinema, Malaysian actress Sharifah Amani has expressed her enthusiastic support for *La Luna*, which has been selected as Singapore's entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards.

Directed by Singaporean filmmaker M Raihan Halim, *La Luna* tells the poignant story of Hanie, portrayed by Amani, who ventures into the world of lingerie retail in a conservative Malaysian village. This captivating Malay-language film features a predominantly Malaysian cast, including notable actors Shaheizy Sam and Wan Hanafi Su, highlighting the rich talent emerging from the region.

During a recording session for the arts and culture program, BBC Arts Hour On Tour in Malaysia, Sharifah Amani drew an interesting comparison between *La Luna's* submission and Malaysia's own Oscar entry, *Abang Adik*, which is in Mandarin. Amani stated, “It’s very lovely to see that Malaysia sent a predominantly Mandarin-language film to represent the country, while Singapore submitted a Malay-language film to represent them. So, it’s cool.” This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the cultural interplay in Southeast Asia's film landscape.

Sharifah previously described her role as Hanie as a deeply personal journey. “Being Hani Abdullah in *La Luna* was a deeply personal experience for me, and now, to see it being recognized by Singapore as their official selection for the Oscars is simply surreal,” she shared. Her gratitude extends to the talented team that brought *La Luna* to life, Singapore for embracing this narrative, and the audience members who related to the film’s themes.

As the film industry eagerly anticipates the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to announce the longlist of contenders for Best International Feature on December 17, the global spotlight shines on *La Luna*, reminding us of the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to connect diverse cultures across borders. Will this pioneering film carve a path to Oscar glory? Stay tuned to find out!