Film Fanatic: AJOOMMA 《花路阿朱妈》 Scores 4 Nods at the 59th Golden Horse Awards 

The first-ever Singapore-Korea co-produced feature film AJOOMMA 《花路阿朱妈》received 4 nominations at the upcoming 59^th Golden Horse Awards.

Established local actress Hong Huifang, 61, received a nod for Best Leading Actress, while veteran Korean actor Jung Dong-hwan has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Jung is only the second Korean actor ever to be nominated at the Golden Horse Awards, which recognises excellence in Chinese-language films from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and beyond

First-time feature director and veteran in the arts scene He Shuming  competes in 2 categories: Best New Director and Best Original Screenplay, which he is nominated for alongside his co-writer Kris Ong.

Director Shuming is grateful for the recognition and says: “I’m speechless still. It’s been 6 years of hard work and we couldn’t have done it without the support of so many people around us. I’m so happy for Huifang and Jung Dong-hwan – such deserving nominations!”

Actress Hong Huifang adds,“2022 has been exceptionally fulfilling. We shot AJOOMMA at the beginning of the year, the movie got selected for the upcoming Busan International Film Festival, and now I received the prestigious Golden Horse nomination of Best Leading Actress. I am very humbled.”

AJOOMMA is produced by award-winning Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen . The movie opens in Singapore cinemas from 27 October after its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival on 7 October.

The movie marks veteran Singaporean actress Hong Hui Fang’s first leading role in a feature film where she co-stars with talented Korean actors including Jung Dong-hwan, Kang Hyung-suk and Yeo Jin-goo, who will make a special appearance. Local actor Shane Pow also plays a supporting role in the film.

AJOOMMA follows the story of Auntie (Hong Huifang), a middle-aged Singaporean woman who has dedicated the best years of her life to caring for her family. Now widowed with her grown up son, Sam (Shane Pow) who is about to fly the roost, Auntie is left to contend with a whole new identity beyond her roles of daughter, wife, and mother. A solo trip to Korea becomes a wild adventure for Auntie where she embarks on an unexpected roller coaster ride where hearts flutter and unlikely bonds are formed.

AJOOMMA is produced by Giraffe Pictures; with support from Singapore Film Commission, Korean Film Council and Seoul Film Commission. The film is distributed by Golden Village Pictures in Singapore.

AJOOMMA will hold its world premiere at the 27th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on 7th October. It will open in Singapore cinemas on 27th October.