PENANG-BORN Sam Quah's film, 'A Place Called Silence', which had attracted a massive amount of viewers in China with a box office collection of RM815 million, has also received strong support from moviegoers back home.
Within a week of being screened in Malaysia beginning Aug 8, Quah's thriller and tear-jerker collected RM1 million in cinemas.
This success has landed 'A Place Called Silence' at the second highest spot of the Malaysian box office in the first week of August and the highest spot among Chinese language films for the year.
More than 58,000 Malaysian viewers have flocked to cinemas to watch the family-oriented film.
Quah said 'A Place Called Silence' was inspired by an incident that happened when he was studying in Taiwan years ago.
"My latest movie delves into serious social issues, taking inspiration from the tragic story of the death of a young girl, whose mother believed that her child was still alive somewhere in the apartment where they live.
"The mother refused to stay silent in the face of her daughter's disappearance, and the reluctance of the public to help her compelled her to carry out her own investigation and uncover the truth.
"Only the brave and resilient will find the truth. The message of the story is that the public needs to be compassionate towards people in distress, especially when it comes to parents who suddenly lose their beloved children."
Quah said this at a press conference to promote his movie at Dadi Cinema in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang, recently. Present was the film's main star, Taiwanese actress Ning Chang.
Quah said while the film was a work of fiction, a real-life story in which a mother tried to find the body of her murdered child inspired him to make it.
"I am most honoured to create a film that is set entirely in my home state, Penang. I have long dreamt of producing a film that is centred on the lives of Penangites."
Quah said it was a great experience to work with a dedicated team of local and international actors and actresses.
"Filming in and out of the country made this story even more special for me."
Ning Chang, who plays the protagonist and distraught mother, Li Han, said she had to delve deep into her character by studying the intricacies of communication between a mother and her child.
"When getting myself into the role of Li Han, I got to understand how Sam, our director, wanted to convey a heartfelt and important message about family values and society's indifference."
Ning Chang said she tried to highlight the complex relationship between Li Han and her missing daughter, and revealed that the mother used to be overly protective and controlling towards her only child.
"She is a loving and caring mother who wanted the best for her daughter, but on many occasions, she controlled her daughter."
Quah and Ning agreed that 'A Place Called Silence' was not merely a cinematic experience but a social message that reminded all moviegoers to stand up for what is right.
Quah said it was his second film after the success of 'Sheep Without a Shepherd', which was screened in 2019.
'Sheep Without a Shepherd' was a box office hit, and one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. It was this film that rocketed Quah to international fame.
The film earned Quah several nominations, including Best New Director at the 27th Huading Awards. He won two awards at the 11th Youth Film Handbook Awards for Best Commercial Film and Best Performance.