At the ASEAN-Korea Film Festival (AKFF) 2026, one of the films that stood out to me was the Malaysian movie Mojoku Hilang. What made it particularly interesting was that, at first, I genuinely thought it was an Indonesian film before later discovering that it was actually produced in Malaysia.
The reason for my confusion was
quite simple. The film stars Adipati Dolken, one of Indonesia’s most
recognizable actors, and even the title Mojoku Hilang sounds completely
natural to Indonesian audiences. For many Indonesians, there is nothing about
the title that immediately suggests it comes from another country.
Mojoku Hilang | Malaysia –
Indonesia
Mojoku Hilang is a 2026 romantic comedy directed
by Lim Siu Min. The film features Indonesian actor Adipati Dolken alongside
Malaysian actress Mimi Lana, making it an interesting example of cross-border
collaboration within Southeast Asia.
The story follows Adi, an ambitious
corporate manager tasked with gaining the trust of residents in a village in
Perlis so that his company can acquire their land. To accomplish his mission,
he disguises himself as an ordinary man who simply wishes to enjoy a peaceful
life in the countryside. However, his carefully crafted plan begins to unravel
when the villagers become involved in the kidnapping of a viral cow named Mojo,
and Adi unexpectedly falls in love with a local woman.
What I found most appealing about
the film was how familiar and local its premise felt. As someone who grew up
watching Indonesian television movies (FTV), the story’s small-town setting,
quirky conflicts, and romantic elements felt surprisingly close to home. At the
same time, the pairing of Adipati Dolken and Mimi Lana adds a unique ASEAN
flavor, showcasing how filmmakers and actors from neighboring countries can
come together to create stories that resonate with audiences across the region.
Reference: 1) Mojoku Hilang
Under Parallel Skies | Philippines
– Thailand
Besides Mojoku Hilang,
another cross-national production I have watched is Under Parallel Skies.
This romantic drama was written and directed by Filipino director, Sigrid
Andrea Bernardo.
What makes the film notable is its
ASEAN collaboration in it. The lead characters are portrayed by Thai actor Metawin
Opas-iamkajorn and Filipino actress Janella Salvador.
Although the story is set in Hong
Kong, it follows a young man who travels there in search of his missing mother.
During his journey, he meets a hotel employee who accompanies him throughout
his search. As they spend more time together, a meaningful relationship
develops between them, adding an emotional layer to the story.
The film combines romance,
self-discovery, and family themes while also highlighting the experience of
navigating an unfamiliar city.
Reference: 1) Under Parallel Skies
Secret Ingredient | Indonesia –
Philippines – Korea
In addition to those two titles,
there is also the romantic mini-series Secret Ingredient. The drama
attracted considerable attention in Indonesia upon its release because it
brought together popular actors from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Korea in a
single production.
Korean actor Lee Sang-heon, widely
known for his role as Min Ho in Netflix’s XO, Kitty, plays Ha-jun, a
wealthy Korean man who leaves behind his privileged life in Seoul in search of
a childhood love he has never forgotten.
Meanwhile, Filipino actress Julia
Barretto portrays Maya, an aspiring chef in Jakarta who is determined to win a
cooking competition in order to pay for her mother's medical treatment.
Completing the love triangle is
Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra, who plays Arif Hadi, a talented and
perfectionist executive chef. Nicholas is especially beloved by Indonesian
audiences for his iconic role as Rangga in the film Ada Apa dengan Cinta?
The drama offers a lighthearted and
heartwarming story. With much of the story taking place in the culinary world, Secret
Ingredient also serves as a showcase for the diverse cuisines and food
cultures of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Korea.
Beyond the romance, viewers are
introduced to dishes, cooking traditions, and cultural influences from each
country, making the series both entertaining and culturally engaging.
Reference: 1) Secret Ingredients
***
Looking at these cross-border films
and dramas, it becomes increasingly clear that cinema can serve as a cultural
bridge, not only between two countries but across entire regions. Mojoku
Hilang, for example, highlights how closely connected Malaysia and
Indonesia are. Even from its title alone, many Indonesians might assume it is
an Indonesian film, which is understandable given the strong influence of the
Malay language on Bahasa Indonesia.
Beyond that, the lighthearted and
entertaining stories found in these productions also offer a glimpse into the
tastes and everyday experiences of audiences in different countries. Through
films and dramas, viewers are introduced to new perspectives while discovering
both the similarities and differences that shape each culture. In this way,
cross-country productions do more than entertain. They create opportunities for
people to better understand one another and appreciate the rich diversity that
exists across ASEAN and beyond.
