MALAYSIAN director Woo Ming Jin’s latest feature-length film 'Stone Turtle' was among the titles screened at the 75th Locarno International Film Festival that runs from August 3 to 13 in Switzerland.
The movie made its world premiere at the reputed festival and will be travelling the festival circuits before an expected theatrical release next year.
Speaking exclusively with The Vibes, Edmund Yeo, the producer and editor of 'Stone Turtle', commented that “thankfully and gratefully we have received a number of festival invitations so we will continue our festival tour.
"We are hoping to premiere the film perhaps early next year – fingers crossed.”
'Stone Turtle' has been nominated for the festival’s most prestigious award, the Pardo d’oro (Golden Leopard) and is vying for other awards including Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress.
The movie features Bront Palarae and Asmara Abigail, both of whom have collaborated before in Satan’s Slave 2: Communion which released in cinemas nationwide today. In supporting roles are Amerul Affendi, Maisyarah Mazlan, Samara Kenzo and Allison Khor.
'Stone Turtle' has received positive reviews and high praise, with Matthew Jenner of ICS noting that it is “a film of immense complexity from a director who has frequently challenged conventions in a way that is nothing short of revolutionary, both in terms of style and substance.”
Stone Turtle was a fantastic magic (social) realism tale of revenge and ghosts. Wicker man meets Groundhog Day vibes with some Elizabethan Revengers tragedy thrown in. Asmara Abigail gives a stunning performance as well. #Locarno75 @FilmFestLocarno pic.twitter.com/QgO3MauvDo
— John Bleasdale (@drjonty) August 4, 2022
Aug ‘22 #5 STONE TURTLE (Ming 2022) Stylish, confident mystery giving a local, contemplative spin to wronged-woman-revenge thrillers; the storytelling stretches almost to breaking point but pulls back just in time. #Locarno75 pic.twitter.com/DiUuvSW2Gu
— Jorge Mourinha (@RJMourinha) August 7, 2022
Malaysian director creates a multilayered blend of tragedy and horror about stateless refugee on a remote island - live from the 75th edition of the Locarno Film Festival
— DMovies (@DMovies_org) August 9, 2022
LIVE @FilmFestLocarno: https://t.co/APvto8sBpg
“The reception was warm, in a hall with over 3,000 audience members. I heard the gasps, laughters, and I occasionally looked at the audience’s faces and was comforted to see how immersed they were in the film.
"Although the story is set in Malaysia, our themes are universal that it could resonate with people of different cultures and backgrounds,” Edmund said.
Parallax Films has secured international sales rights for the movie. Despite it being a relatively new company, Edmund commented that “Parallax Films has a strong catalogue full of eclectic films, including last year's Locarno Film Festival Special Jury Prize winner 'A New Old Play' by Qiu Jiongjiong.
"The folks of Parallax Films are from China, but they are all based in Europe and have a strong love for world cinema. We are working together to show our film in different countries, including China.”
On the nomination and selection, Edmund had the following to say, “Locarno Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and its historical value is immense.
"Throughout its 75 years of existence, many great directors premiered their films here, film careers were launched, and classics of world cinema were recognised. Michelangelo Antonioni, Kon Ichikawa, Mike Leigh, Jim Jarmusch, Claire Denis, Edward Yang, among others.
"It is an honour to have our film here, among these legends, as part of Locarno's rich history.” – The Vibes, August 10, 2022
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