It was a night of heartfelt emotion and artistic triumph at the 34th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM34), where “Babah” stole the spotlight and actor Qi Razali stole hearts. His portrayal of a deaf father navigating loss and love not only moved audiences but also earned him the coveted Best Actor award.
But beyond the glitz of the red carpet and the glow of the trophy, Qi used his moment on stage to deliver a message that struck deeper than applause. He made a call for Malaysian filmmakers to look past popularity and recognise the power of authenticity, discipline, and passion in storytelling.
Qi, whose full name is Qushairi Mohammed Razali, expressed that it is time for directors and producers to open the door to fresh faces capable of delivering genuine and heartfelt performances. “Don’t be afraid to work with actors who are genuine, hardworking and disciplined. It doesn’t always have to be the popular ones because what makes them popular is often the right film and script,” he told reporters after the ceremony on Saturday.
Reflecting on his victory, the actor described the win as an unexpected blessing and a meaningful recognition for the entire “Babah” production team. Although he had not set any expectations, he believed that the film’s emotional portrayal of a father–child relationship was what resonated most with audiences and judges alike.
To prepare for his role as a deaf father, Qi underwent three weeks of sign language training and continued practising on set with instructors to better understand the communication methods used within the hearing-impaired community. “The role was challenging because I had to communicate without using my voice, while conveying the emotions of a father who has lost his child. I only did two takes for that emotional scene and trusted the director’s vision for the rest,” he explained.
The film “Babah” emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, securing several awards including Best Screenplay, Best Original Story, and Most Promising Director for Mohd Shah Faizul Ibrahim. The heartfelt drama’s success served as a testament to the power of sincerity, dedication, and emotional storytelling in Malaysian cinema.
Source: Bernama
