Southeast Asia’s Best Foreign Feature Submissions for Oscars 2023

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By: Mabel Villanueva

 

With the 95^th annual Academy Awards or the Oscars happening this early 2023, participating countries around the world have set their eyes on the various submissions vying for the Best Foreign Feature category nomination.

Southeast Asia, with the richness of its countries’ cinema, has a compelling array of titles that could be strong contenders for this year’s awards season.

Here are Southeast Asia’s official submissions to the 95^th Academy Awards:

Philippines – On the Job: The Missing 8  

Erik Matti’s The Missing 8 is a sequel to his 2013 film On The Job. The story revolves around a journalist investigating the disappearance of his colleagues and a hitman who is temporarily freed from prison to perform assassinations.

Thailand – One for the Road

One for the Road directed by Nattawut Poonpiriya is a drama flick that tells the story of a bartender and his cancer-stricken best friend. Their heartfelt reunion and last road trip together explore the journey of friendship, redemption, and forgiveness.

Indonesia – Missing Home | Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap

Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap (Missing Home) directed by Bene Dion features the conservative life of a ‘Batak’ family. The Indonesian familial way of life, traditions, and customs are discussed in this comedy flick.

Singapore – Ajoomma

The comedy-drama Ajoomma directed by Shuming He traces the adventure of a middle-aged Singaporean widow. Her obsession with Korean pop culture leads to a liberating self-discovery.

Vietnam – 578 Magnum | Phát Đạn Của Kẻ Điên

The action-thriller film Phát Đạn Của Kẻ Điên (578 Magunm) directed by Dung Luong Dinh revolves around a father hunting down the crime syndicate that kidnapped his daughter.

What are your thoughts on Southeast Asian countries’ submissions for Oscars 2023? Share your reactions in the comments section below!