#SHOWBIZ: Malaysian-born actor Lawrence Wong gains international recognition for 'Esky'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian-born Singaporean actor Lawrence Wong, who made his directorial debut with the short film Esky, has been chosen for the Official Selection in the Best First Time Director category at the Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards.
Esky is part of Homebound, an anthology of five shorts produced in collaboration with animal welfare group SOSD Singapore to spotlight rescue dogs in Singapore.
Wong told Shin Min Daily News that the recognition was unexpected.
"It was actually sent for competition by my Hollywood agent, who didn't tell me about it," he said.
Wong was delighted to receive international recognition.
"It is a great encouragement for me," he said.
Esky stars Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann, who won the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ilo Ilo (2013) and Best Leading Actress for Wet Season (2019).
Wong rose to fame after starring in the Chinese period drama Story Of Yanxi Palace (2018).
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