Sympatico, the co-production label established by Double Vision, the Malaysian production company headed by Min Lim, and Argo Films, Richard Johns’ UK-based film and TV company, is delighted to confirm that it has started production on its independent rom-com feature film Mojo – and that leading film studio Astro Shaw has joined Sympatico and co-producer Mocha Chai Laboratories as a full production and equity partner.
Mojo, which is Sympatico’s first greenlit project, tells the story of an ambitious city boy (Adi) who finds love (with Ayu) and meaning in simple, rural life—and of social media superstar Mojo, the cow who has a hand—or hoof—in changing his life for the better. The film has gone into production in the stunning Perlis region of Malaysia this week, with the Perlis state providing support.
Astro Shaw will act as co-producer for Mojo, with the business also being responsible for the Malaysian distribution and marketing of the film when it is released later in 2025, ahead of its international roll-out under UK-based distributor SC Films International.
Sympatico is also now excited to announce the key cast for Mojo, revealing award-winning Malaysian and Indonesian actors.
The lead role of Adi is being played by the award-winning Indonesian actor Adipati Dolken, who is making his debut in a Malaysian film. His credits include The Clerics, Posesif, (for which he was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Indonesian Film Festival) and last year’s global hit Netflix film Shadow Strays. Mimi Lana plays the female lead role, Ayu. Well-known in Malaysia as one of the country’s most popular actresses, having been nominated for Best Actress at the Anugerah Skrin (Malaysia’s equivalent of the Oscars), Mimi’s credits include the hit movie The Experts and the Astro Original series titled Framed.
Other high-profile cast members are the revered Wan Hanafi (who’s film Apprentice was screened at Cannes); respected actor, director and screenwriter Namron (director of the multi-award-winning One Two Jaga); former award-winning child star, now actor and director Aziz M. Osman (Fenomena, XX Ray); Malaysian national treasure Dato A. Tamimi Serigar (Abang, Old Road Misery) – recipient of the 2023 Best Actor award at the Asean International Film Festival plus awards for his role in the Malaysian/Indonesian title Perjalanan Pertama; Tony Eusoff (Pecah, Revenge of the Pontianak); Gambit Saifullah (Jasmine, Malbatt: Misi Bakara); and Farah Ahmad (Soul, Liar).
Mojo is being directed by Sympatico’s Min Lim (producer of award-winning Malaysian versions of Liar and The Bridge and director of Kopitiam.) The head writer is Malaysian scriptwriter Honey Ahmad (Motif, Saladin, Walinong Sari) – who was the only Asian writer to be included in Film Independent’s Episodic Labs Cohort for 2024, with award-winning director Zahir Omar (Fly By Night, The Bridge) and award-winning writer Chi-Ren Choong (The Bridge, Liar) onboard as creative consultant. Michelle Chang (Venus on Mars, Wonderland) from Mocha Chai Laboratories will produce alongside Sympatico’s Richard Johns (Shadow of the Vampire, The Liability).
Director Min Lim comments: “Our cast and crew are thrilled to have moved into production in the beautiful landscapes of Perlis. This has been a project long in the making and to be able to do this with friends and people who truly believe in such a heartfelt, joyous and truly funny project is the icing on the cake.
“I am especially thrilled that Astro Shaw is joining us on this journey. Its commitment to the film – as both co-producer and distributor – and its full support of Sympatico’s vision to create a uniquely authentic Malaysian production that will also appeal to a global audience – is hugely appreciated. We cannot wait to share a little rom com Mojo magic with audiences later in the year, and hope that the film’s on and off-screen talent, incredible backdrops and ability to make us both laugh and think will start to shine an international light on Southeast Asia’s storytelling and production capabilities.”
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Head of Astro Shaw, adds: “We have known Min Lim and the Double Vision team for many years, successfully partnering on projects such as Liar, so it was not a difficult decision for Astro Shaw to become involved. However, Mojo will be our first film together for some time, so we are excited to be back on the wagon with the team. We’re particularly thrilled that this film will bring the undiscovered beauty of Perlis, Malaysia, to the forefront. With its brilliant script, excellent cast, a potent synergy of creative minds from Malaysia, Indonesia, and UK, not to mention the wider international potential for the film that the Sympatico team can bring, we are excited to see just where this project might go.”
