Ananth’s thought-provoking BMW-funded production explores themes of ‘nature versus nurture’ in a visually stunning short film.
BMW Group Malaysia premiered ‘Liar Land’, the latest BMW Shorties production by the grand prize winner of BMW Shorties 2018, Ananth Subramaniam.
Ananth Subramaniam, BMW Shorties 2018 Grand Prize Winner (left) with Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia (right).
True to his bold narratives interwoven with heart-wrenching and provocative storytelling techniques, ‘Liar Land’ is a gripping story of siblings from a broken family, pushed into a life of crime perpetuated by their rogue parents’ criminal activities. Having garnered nationwide recognition for his short film ‘Colourless’ last year, Ananth’s creative use of visuals and lighting perfectly portrayed the hidden emotions of his characters once again.
Ananth, BMW Shorties 2018 Grand Prize Winner and Director of Liar Land.
“When I set out to write ‘Liar Land’, I had a vision and a message to tell. Social stigmas arise when we do not consider the flipside of things, when we do not stand in the other person’s shoes, to understand the root cause. Parenting is difficult and not everyone can succeed in it, but I needed to show people what happens when there is blatant disregard for it and how that negligence affects a child indefinitely.” Ananth said.
(Left to right – back row) Mandy Chen, Mother in Liar Land; Belz, Executive Producer and Assistant Director of Liar Land; Ananth; Edgar Gary Quah, Father in Liar Land. (Left to right – front row) Syed Muhammad Baqir, Maya’s Little Brother in Liar Land; Mia Deen, Maya in Liar Land.
Employing the immense acting talent of his young casts, stunning visuals and an emotion-evoking soundtrack, Ananth crafted an ode to social complications in ‘Liar Land’ that mirrors the reality children of criminals grow up in. His telling of ‘Liar Land’ not only exemplified the negative effects of childhood negligence but also a premature desensitivity to violence and aggression in children.
Sashi and Ananth with the cast and crew of Liar Land.
The BMW-funded short film features up-and-coming talents like Mia Deen (who plays the daughter in ‘Liar Land’, Maya) and Syed Muhammad Baqir (Maya’s brother), along with acting veterans like Edgar Gary Quah (father) and Mandy Chen (mother). With ‘Liar Land’, Ananth gives his viewers a sordid glimpse into the livelihoods of these young siblings, the same magical way he gave viewers a tear-jerking insight of a troubled father-daughter relationship in ‘Colourless’.
Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Even after over a decade, we at BMW Group Malaysia are still amazed at how the BMW Shorties continues to be an important platform to discover emerging creative talents in Malaysia. We look forward to continue elevating filmmakers and digital content creators in the Malaysian film industry, and Ananth is no exception. His vision for storytelling is unique and ‘Liar Land’ is a daring example of a bold truth told well.”
Ambi added, “The BMW Shorties returns this year with a new theme, ‘UNCHARTED’, which symbolises the perfect combination of curiosity and tenacity that is very much needed in Malaysia across all spectrums of arts, music, culture, technology and even politics. We hope to see the creative minds of our nation explore, create and going beyond their imagination to turn their ideas into reality. This is the true mark of a progressive nation.”
This year’s line-up of judges comprises of award-winning filmmakers and veterans of the local film industry. They include Saw Teong Hin (Puteri Gunung Ledang and Rise: Ini Kalilah); Indrani Kopal (The Game Changer and Incarcerated Rhythm), Amanda Nell Eu (Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu), as well as panel advisers for the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) – Nadira Ilana (The Silent Riot) and Adrian Teh (Ice Kacang Puppy Love and PASKAL The Movie).
The BMW Shorties 2019 will award the grand prize winner a production grant of RM 80,000. Recognition for filmmaking talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design and the People’s Choice Award, along with this year’s new category for Best Student Award.
“I am also pleased to announce that the BMW Shorties will be driving the conversation on film at Urbanscapes 2019 – Malaysia’s longest-running creative arts festival; and REXKL, one of the iconic institutions for movies and film, will be the homeground for film and the BMW Shorties throughout the festival,” Ambi said.
The BMW Shorties is open for entries from 8th August 2019 and aspiring filmmakers as well as digital content creators will have until 11th October 2019 at 6:00PM to submit their entries. For further information on the BMW Shorties and how to participate, visit the official BMW Shorties website at www.bmwshorties.com.my or the official BMW Shorties Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bmwshorties and Instagram page at www.instagram.com/bmwshorties.
