Tunku Mona Riza

Film director

 

For giving local stories the attention and deserved limelight

tunku mona riza

Prominent film director Tunku Mona Riza is best recognised for her directorial work in Redha, which was selected as the Malaysian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.

Her most recent cinematic endeavour, Rain Town, is a poignant Cantonese family drama that delves into the complex dynamics within a family, set against the backdrop of a rain-soaked Taiping, Perak. Notably, the show marks a significant milestone as the first Chinese-language film directed by a Malay woman. Tunku Mona Riza views this film as her homage to Malaysia's culturally diverse tapestry, a heartfelt call for all Malaysians to celebrate and embrace diversity. The film received critical acclaim and was chosen as the opening feature at prestigious events such as the 27th Vancouver Asian Film Festival in Canada and the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa.

Tunku Mona's artistic journey commenced at a young age, fuelled by her deep passion for filmmaking. This fervour led her to the New York Film Academy, where she honed her skills and pursued her dream.

Over the years, Tunku Mona has garnered numerous awards, highlighting her significant contributions to the film industry. Her outstanding achievements have earned recognition from noteworthy institutions, including the Ministry Of Women, Family and Community Development, and the National Autism Society of Malaysia—acknowledging her meaningful engagement with the autism community.

At the core of her career lies the motto 'Empowering Simple Stories.' Tunku Mona Riza firmly believes that seemingly ordinary stories, portraying everyday conflicts, hold a profound significance. These tales, often overlooked by many, bear substantial weight for those directly affected. For example, her debut feature film, Redha, courageously addresses societal issues and mental health concerns. Then in Rain Town, she explores the complexities of family conflict. Tunku Mona aspires to continue championing these narratives, by providing a platform for their emotions and voices to resonate through her compelling films.

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