In a proud moment for Malaysian cinema, “Pavane for an Infant (搖籃凡世)” has been officially selected to represent Malaysia at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) under the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, the film is a Malaysian–Hong Kong co-production that delves into themes of motherhood, faith, and societal pressures. Its inclusion in the Oscar race marks a significant step forward for Malaysia’s growing presence in global cinema.
The film, produced by Janji Pictures Production Sdn Bhd, tells the story of a compassionate social worker at a baby-hatch centre in Kuala Lumpur who helps women navigate the stigma and hardship surrounding motherhood in a conservative society. Through its delicate yet powerful storytelling, “Pavane for an Infant” paints a moving portrait of resilience and humanity in the face of judgement.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) announced the selection, emphasising that it reflects the growing potential of Malaysia’s film industry to create work that stands shoulder to shoulder with global cinema. “The selection of ‘Pavane for an Infant’ as Malaysia’s representative reflects the growing potential of local cinema, which continues to earn recognition on the international stage,” Finas said in a statement.
According to Finas, the selection was made by its Film Selection Committee, comprising a panel of industry professionals and experts. The decision was based on the official guidelines set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organiser of the Oscars. Finas also reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing local talents and enabling more Malaysian films to reach international acclaim.
Since its release, the film has already garnered international recognition, 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. These accomplishments underscore the film’s resonance with audiences and critics alike, cementing its position as one of the year’s standout Asian features.
“Pavane for an Infant” has also graced several major international film festivals, including the 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival, the 44th Istanbul International Film Festival, the 24th New York Asian Film Festival, and the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. Its world premiere took place at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, where it competed under the Asian Future Competition category, receiving praise for its sensitive exploration of gender and social issues. With the film marking another proud moment for Malaysian cinema, it continues the legacy of local films that have represented the nation at the Oscars.
