Singapore Selects La Luna as Official Oscar Entry for Best International Feature Film

In a thrilling announcement on October 9, 2023, Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) confirmed that the Malay-language comedy "La Luna" has been chosen as the country's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards set for 2025.

The selection process involved a dedicated team from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) Advisory Committee, highlighting Singapore's commitment to promoting local talent and storytelling on the international stage. Notably, both the IMDA and SFC had supported "La Luna" through their Content Development Grant, a part of the Media Talent Progression Programme.

Directed by the talented M Raihan Halim, "La Luna" explores the life of Hanie Abdullah, portrayed by Sharifah Amani, a woman who courageously opens a lingerie shop in a conservative Malaysian village. This bold narrative touches on themes of empowerment and cultural clash, making it a standout piece that reflects the complexities of modern Southeast Asian society.

Since its release in November 2023, "La Luna" has garnered accolades across various international film festivals, including notable events such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and the Shanghai International Film Festival. The film's festival circuit showcases its universal themes and artistic merit, piquing the interest of global audiences.

Justin Ang, IMDA’s assistant chief executive for media, innovation, communications, and marketing, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to present 'La Luna' as Singapore’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars. This year has been phenomenal for Singaporean cinema, with our films making prominent appearances at festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Busan. 'La Luna' beautifully encapsulates our multi-lingual and multi-ethnic fabric, yielding unique stories that resonate widely. We are immensely proud of M Raihan Halim, the cast, and crew, and we eagerly anticipate positive outcomes at the Oscars.”

Sharifah Amani, reflecting on her role in the film, shared her personal connection: “Being Hanie Abdullah in 'La Luna' was a deeply personal experience for me. Seeing it recognized as Singapore's official Oscar selection is surreal. Every film has its own life, and 'La Luna' embodies a passion that stems from the dedication of everyone involved. I am incredibly grateful to the team behind this project, to Singapore for embracing this story, and to the audiences who find themselves in this narrative. This recognition celebrates the belief in the power of storytelling to bridge divides.”

As "La Luna" prepares to make its Academy Awards debut, film enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness this remarkable story that challenges perceptions and embraces cultural diversity in a heartfelt comedic format. Could "La Luna" be on its way to Oscar glory? Time will tell!