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This October, The Waves Will Carry Us (人生海海) by acclaimed director LAU Kek-huat (廖克发) will have its world premiere at the 45th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) on October 18. Known for his evocative storytelling that blends personal memory with collective history, LAU brings audiences a deeply resonant narrative that captures the spirit of migration, separation, and resilience within a Malaysian Chinese family.
The director reflects: “When do we choose to leave? When do we decide to stay? These questions are not only personal but universal. I wanted to create a film where our laughter carries as much weight as our sorrow — because often, the louder we laugh, the more the sadness reveals itself.”
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From Documentary to Fiction
Following the success of his multi-award-winning documentary From Island to Island (由岛至岛) in 2024, LAU’s latest feature film continues his exploration of roots, identity, and the echoes of history. While the documentary examined geography and migration with raw intimacy, The Waves Will Carry Us transforms those inquiries into a poetic narrative — a cinematic letter to the director’s own upbringing and heritage.
An Ensemble Cast Across Borders
The Waves Will Carry Us is both intimate and expansive, shaped by performances that cross borders and cultures. The film features Vera CHEN (陈雪甄), WEI Chun-chan (魏雋展), and Fabian LOO (呂楊), whose portrayals embody the complexities of love, loss, and laughter within the family unit.
Behind the lens, the film is steered by LAU himself, alongside producers Tony Hu Zhong-Guang (胡仲光), Wang Li-Lin (王礼霖), and Nicole Teoh (张煒珍). This cross-cultural collaboration between Malaysia and Taiwan enriches the storytelling with authenticity and emotional depth.
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Supported by Cultural Institutions
The film’s journey has been made possible through the support of key cultural and creative institutions, including the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development (Taiwan) 台湾文化部影视及流行音乐产业局, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) 文化内容策进院, and the Taipei Film Commission 台北市电影委员会. Additional support comes from YSW Construction & Trading Sdn. Bhd., Distinct Creation Sdn. Bhd., and Lin Jia-Wen (林家文), reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing stories that transcend national borders.
A Journey Beyond the Shore
The Waves Will Carry Us is more than a film; it is an invitation to reflect on the shifting tides of belonging, memory, and identity. With its world premiere at HIFF, the story begins its voyage across international waters — carrying with it the laughter, longing, and resilience of a family that mirrors many of our own.
As the festival curtain rises, audiences can expect this cinematic odyssey to continue traveling, reaching new shores and stirring hearts wherever it lands.
