“In all honesty, I didn’t expect to win. When it first got selected as a nominee for the competition, I thought that was the only realistic achievement. I was shocked when I learned that we won, and I am super proud that we managed to win in our first film competition. ”

Meet Abhig, a Grade 10 student from Malaysia who has been part of the ISKL community since joining Grade 8. With a keen eye for storytelling and a creative spirit, Abhig recently achieved recognition when his short film which he directed “Candidate 33,” was awarded the prestigious Best International Short Film award at the acclaimed UDEM International Student Film Festival.

Here is Abhig’s story:

Can you tell us more about yourself?

My name is Abhigyan, and I am Malaysian. I have lived in Malaysia my entire life.

I joined ISKL in Grade 8 during the 2022-2023 school year and was lucky to have a group of friends who had also joined ISKL at the same time, so my first days were not awkward or difficult. I enjoyed ISKL the moment I joined; it was a breath of fresh air, and the learning style and community were amazing.

Congrats on winning the Best International Short Film award at the UDEM International Student Film Festival for the film Candidate 33. Tell us how you felt when you found out you won.

In all honesty, I didn’t expect to win. Mr. Nichols, my filmmaking teacher, asked me to shoot my shot with this film. When it first got selected as a nominee for the competition, I thought that was the only realistic achievement. I was shocked when I learned that we won, and I am super proud that we managed to win in our first film competition.

Have you always been interested in film? Do you have any advice for budding filmmakers in the ISKL community?

I have always been interested in film. I made skits and stop-motion animations when I was 8 or 9. When I moved to ISKL, my hobby became a passion because of the film program.

Some advice I have for budding filmmakers is just to make films. Don’t think about whether a story is good or bad; if you believe in it, make it. Learn through experience, and consequently, your films will get better.

Who are your biggest influences in filmmaking, and how have they shaped your style?

Currently, the two filmmakers I’m heavily inspired by are Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorcese. Their storytelling is amazing, and I try to learn from them and their filmmaking. The film I’m currently working on takes after the style of Martin Scorcese, especially the way the story twists and turns throughout the film.

Do you participate in any other co-curricular activities at ISKL? Please describe them.

I participated in IASAS piano last year and will do so again. IASAS piano is part of the IASAS music program, where all musicians participate in a musical showcase.

What are your plans for after you graduate from ISKL?

Frankly, I don’t know yet. My original plan was to get a degree in engineering, but my passion for filmmaking is also a solid plan for after High School.

Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?

Apart from piano and film, my main interest is Formula One, a motorsport racing series. I love F1, and I dream of working there as an engineer.

Do you have any thoughts on your career pathway?

I’m uncertain about film as the stigma surrounding it suggests that it’s very risky. Engineering is a safe and stable job, and I can still work in my dream job if I do well enough.

Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?

My mother inspires me the most. She has influenced me to push harder in every aspect of my life, and she was also the one who inspired me to pursue film at ISKL. I look to her for feedback, inspiration, and motivation relating to my life, and I owe a lot to her.

Most memorable moment at ISKL?

My most memorable moment at ISKL was the Grade 8 Graduation Party in St. Regis—spending time with my friends, partying, and having fun. Probably the last time I was not stressed, haha…

What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” “mean to you?

This quote means that we should focus on contributing to society, not losing ourselves while doing so. Being ourselves and helping the community is what ISKL wants us to do, and I’m all for it!

Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.