Synopsis
Abang and Adi are native Malaysian but live without ID cards. They are stranded at Pudu, which has an ancient wet market. Here was once the most prosperous community in the city, but now it’s mottled and dilapidated. They cannot enjoy the rights and welfare of ordinary citizens, nor can they apply for passports or even bank accounts. Abang, the older brother, was born mute and his only goal in life is to work hard and seek a stable life. Adi, on the other hand, is unwilling to give in to his fate and becomes involved in selling fake IDs, aiming to make fast money, and gets away from this place with Abang. There comes a social worker who is called Jia En from an NGO. She is a kind and enthusiastic girl, who makes every effort to help the brothers to apply for a legal identity card. However, a fatal accident then happens and once again places Abang and Adi in dire straits.
Jin Ong
Jin Ong, the founder of More Entertainment Sdn Bhd, has developed film and television productions since 2008. He also served as curator of the 1st and 2nd Malaysia International Film Festival. Jin is good at focusing on social issues, humanities, and morals. His perspective reflects the situation in the country (Malaysia) where he grew up, creating an indie style of realism. Already in 2020, ABANG ADIK has won the Mirror Fiction Story Award and FPP Visionary Award in Golden Horse FPP. In 2023, ABANG ADIK won the Audience Award and The Ecumenical Jury Award at the 37th Fribourg International Film Festival. Also, at the 25th Far East Film Festival, ABANG ADIK won the first-place Golden Mulberry Audience Award, as well as the Black Dragon Critics' Prize and the White Mulberry Award for best first feature. The film comes from his feelings about the marginal problems in Malaysia. After producing many films, Abang Adik will be Ong's first attempt as director. The script is also written by himself. He will continue to develop more projects and speak for social issues in the future.
Director's statement
In my country (Malaysia), there is always a group of unidentified people. They are neither inseparable from nor belonging to this land. Those children have no idea about their future. Those who lose identity are the same as social death. I want to write this story to raise the public’s awareness about the marginalized all over the world. In their daily life, they suffer from unfair treatment, reflecting the affair that must be valued. The two brothers suffer the same fate. Love is the only thing we have. Although society treats them like this, I still believe that love is infinite power. On the contrary, love can also destroy everything. In Abang Adik, the ultimate appeal is the love hidden in the hearts of the two brothers. It is the love that gives them the determination to accompany each other till the end of the world.
