Quiz: How well do you know Southeast Asian films?

By Mira Sharon | May 11, 2022 | 1 minute of reading

While the works of Steven Spielberg, Wong Kar-wai and Bong Joon-ho have left a mark on the world, we should not forget our homeground talents, from the late Malaysian director Yasmin Ahmad, to Indonesian actor Iko Uwais, and father of Philippines cinema, José Nepomuceno. There is nothing like a Southeast Asian film to showcase the region in its full glory, with each storyline magnifying a specific experience from the region, and the cinematography feeling alive and vibrant. We also have a long and rich film history, which today is being continued by contemporary film practitioners, independent venues and producing houses today.

How much do you know about Southeast Asian films? Take this quiz and find out!

You know your Steven Spielberg, Wong Kar-wai and Bong Joon-Ho films. But how much do you know about Southeast Asian films? Take this quiz to find out!

1 / 10

1. Yasmin Ahmad is a director known for her iconic Malaysian films, such as Sepet (2005), Gubra (2006) and Talentime (2009). Where is the main location she opts to shoot her movies?

Photo: The Guardian

A. The heart of Malaysia, in bustling Kuala Lumpur

B. In historical Malacca, amidst ancient structures

C. In beachy Penang Island, with the palm trees in sight

D. In Ipoh, with all its old town glory

2 / 10

2. Film festivals are pivotal events that can introduce lesser known movies to the world. In the Southeast Asian region, film festivals are aplenty. Which one of these festivals does not exist?

A. Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)

B. Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival

C. Southeast Asian Sci-Fi Film Festival (SEASFF)

D. Indonesian Film Festival (IFF)

3 / 10

3. After being diagnosed with a kidney disease, Uncle Boonmee is sure he is going to die and assembles his relatives for his farewell. Graced with the presence of his wife’s ghost, he hopes to live his final days with reflection and fulfilment. What is the title of this Thai movie that was released in 2010?

Photo: The New Yorker

A. Uncle Boonmee Says Goodbye

B. Uncle Boonmee and The Prisoner of Azkaban

C. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

D. Uncle Boonmee Who Forgets Everything Everywhere All At Once

4 / 10

5. In the latest Hollywood film Everything, Everywhere All at Once (2022) that has taken the world by storm, there is a famous Southeast Asian actress playing the main character. She also acted in iconic films such as Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Memoirs of a Geisha (2005). What is her name?

Photo: Empire Online

A. Michelle Pfeiffer

B. Michelle Yeoh

C. Michelle Obama

D. Michelle Williams

5 / 10

4. Southeast Asia is renowned for its lush greenery, streetscapes and its mainly tropical weather. It is no surprise that many film directors choose this nook of the world as their setting. Which one of these films does NOT have scenes in Southeast Asia?

A. Crazy Rich Asians (2019)

B. Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

C. Mukhsin (2006)

D. Ocean’s 8 (2018)

6 / 10

6. Southeast Asian film history is long and deep – we even had our own version of Hollywood once! When was the golden age of cinema for Singapore?

A. The 1940s - 1970s

B. The 2000s

C. The 1920s - 1930s

D. The 1970s

7 / 10

7. In the film Bad Genius (2017) by Thai director Nattawut Poonpiriya, main character Lynn has impeccable academic capabilities and comes up with intricate methods to assist her peers in their exams. What is the name of this starlet pictured here?

Photo: IMDb

A. Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying

B. Eisaya Hosuwan

C. Nittha Jirayungyurn

D. Ranee Campen

8 / 10

8. Which of these is a famous movie from Cambodia?

A. Rice People (1994)

B. The Love of Siam (2007)

C. One Day We'll Talk About Today (2019)

D. Talentime (2009)

9 / 10

9. P. Ramlee was a prominent Malay actor who made his mark in the cinematic worlds of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and even Southern Thailand. He has acted in films such as Bujang Lapok (1957) and Pendekar Bujang Lapok (1959). What is his real name?

Photo: IMDb

A. Harith Iskandar

B. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Teuku Zakaria bin Ramlee

C. Tan Sri Datuk Amar Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh

D. Ramlee Ishak

10 / 10

10. The Raid (2011) is an Indonesian thriller film directed by Gareth Evans. It stars a prominent Indonesian actor skilled in martial arts, who also acted in Merantau (2009) and Mile 22 (2018). What is his name?

Photo: Deadline