Taiwan film The Paradise scores 3 nominations at Shanghai International Film Festival

A tale of drug addicts in Taiwan has been nominated for not one but three awards at the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival.

The Paradise is nominated for three Asian New Talent Awards -- Best Actor (Yuan Teng), Best Scriptwriter (Siew Hong Chris Leong and Ting Ning Chen) and Best Cinematographer (Meteor Cheong).

The adaptation of a true story of Taiwanese drug addicts who went through rehabilitation stars Taiwanese actor Wang Shih-hsien as well as Malaysian actors Yuan Teng and Jack Tan.

In an interview with Malaysian media, Yuan Teng shared his elation about the nomination, saying that it was "unbelievable."

The 25-year-old actor said the film presented him challenges such as drug-taking performances, shaving his head, and even bearing his bottom.

He's excited to attend the festival with the crew but said he'll "let things be" whether he's crowned as Best Actor or not.

Yuan Teng, who bears a resemblance to Chinese actor Kim Jin, was cast in The Paradise after he caught the eyes of the production crew in his performance in the musical film In My Heart.

The film, produced by mm2 Entertainment Taiwan, is expected to be screened in theatres at the end of 2019.

The 22nd Shanghai International Film Festival will be held from June 15 to 24, while the Asian New Talent Award results will be announced on June 21.

editor@asiaone.com