First Chinese Film By Award Winning Director Chiu Keng Guan
Malaysian filmmaker and award winning director, Chiu Keng Guan shines on the global stage once again with film On Your Mark, topping the Chinese box office collection of RM8.7million (RMB 13.65 million) on its opening day on 18 June 2021. The film also garnered a cumulative box office collection of approximately RM24million (RMB 37million) as of 20 June 2021. In addition, the film was also No. 1 in China’s movie viewership and film schedule on its opening day.
On Your Mark is Chiu’s first big screen film from China, and is produced by Jiangsu Maoyan Culture Media, Wuxi Cangsheng Film, Tianjin Maoyan Weiying Culture Media, Jiangsu Hao Di Cultural Development, Sports Culture Development Center of the State General Administration of Sports (China Sports Museum), and Astro Shaw, the sole Malaysian producer.
On Your Mark which is slated for premiere in Malaysia later this year, was released in more than 9,000 cinemas in China with the title “Liao Bu Qi de Lao Ba”, and will debut in international markets as “On Your Mark” or “The Great Dad”. Astro Shaw as local distributor for the film, will also handle its marketing in Malaysia.
On Your Mark features talented cast from China such as Yanhui Wang, Youhao Zhangt, Beibi Gong, Wenjuan Feng, Junhao Li and Jinshan Liu. The film revolves around a boy, Xiao Erdong, who has an ambition to be a marathon runner like his late mother. However, his father, Xiao Daming stands in the way of his dreams with the intention of protecting him from disappointment. His father realises that his son may have inherited a disease that causes blindness that his late wife also suffered from. He tries to prepare his son for a life without sight which leads to frustration and rebellion. When tragedy strikes, father and son find a common purpose, uniting against despair in a marathon race challenge against all odds.
Chiu Keng Guan is a renowned director in the local film industry and has a vast list of directorial achievements including local blockbusters such as OlaBola (2016), The Journey (2014), Think Big Big (2018), Great Day (2011), Woohoo! (2010) as well as Chinese telemovie Skate Our Souls (2019). Chiu’s local blockbusters have struck a chord with the heart of many Malaysians with touching storylines and themes of patriotism, family, love and friendship, earning him numerous awards and mentions both locally and internationally. He has provided talented cast across ages a platform to shine, and to-date, his films The Journey and Ola Bola remain in the Top 15 of local box office collections. Additionally, his film Think Big Big made its debut in China, as the biggest screening for a local film in 10,900 screens and 60,079 showtimes.
Chiu Keng Guan, Director, On Your Mark, said, “As a Malaysian filmmaker, I’m thrilled for the overwhelming support received over the opening day in Chinese cinemas. I hope this film continues its success in China and I look forward to its premiere in Malaysia soon.”
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Vice President, Head of Astro Shaw & Nusantara, said, “Astro Shaw congratulates Chiu on the success of his film ‘On Your Mark’ in China and we are honoured to have the opportunity to be part of this film. We remain committed in supporting local creative talents by giving them a platform to showcase their productions, and we hope Chiu’s success inspires more filmmakers to take their films and the Malaysian film industry to greater heights.”
For more information about On Your Mark, follow Astro Shaw’s social media pages.
