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  

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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.