“I was so excited. I didn’t expect to get invited!” the Miri, Sarawak-born performer, who is also a dancer and martial artist, told FMT Lifestyle.
“I’d never done anything major in the Australian film scene before! But someone pitched my name to the festival director, and he was stoked to call me in.”
Kaar, who Malaysians may recognise from local dramas “KL Gangster Underworld” and “Salon,” said this was the first time she’d been to an international film festival, and she considered the invitation a great honour.
Established in 2021, the International Film Festival of Australia (IFFA) recognises and honours exceptional artistes, directors, producers, and commendable works such as feature films, short films, and documentaries from all around the globe.
Attending IFFA as a celebrity guest was a truly exciting experience for Kaar, who has always dreamt of being in the entertainment industry.
The actress is used to the spotlight, having been a dancer and part-time model in her youth. She spent several years working in the finance industry, before pursuing her dreams of acting instead.
She got her start as an extra on films “Tarak” and “Crazy Rich Asians” before moving on to bigger roles in “C144” and “Persepsi.”
Her breakthrough came when she clinched the role of Annie in the action thriller “Kadaram Kondan,” alongside famed Indian actor Vikram. The film, which was shot in both Malaysia and India, was produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, a production company started by legendary Tamil actor Kamal Haasan. For her role, Kaar was nominated for an Ananda Vikatan Cinema award in 2020.
“It’s always a joy stepping into different characters and bringing them to life, from paper to the big screen. The opportunity to be part of a story that connects with your audience is an incredible feeling,” she said.
One of the highlights of the festival was the IFFA Award Night, which brings together industry professionals, filmmakers, actors, and fans for an evening of celebration and recognition.
In contention for IFFA awards this year were the films “Monkey Man” and television shows like Zoya Akhtar’s “The Archies.”
For Kaar, walking the red carpet alongside international film stars like Camilla Mendes, for instance, was exhilarating. She also got to rub shoulders with Australian actor James Pratt and actress/model Louise Child.
“It was a nerve wrecking feeling at first, as there were a lot of cameras flashing at the same time, and there were a lot of beautiful people around me! It felt nice to be recognised for the work I have done, and it was nice being able to represent the South Asian industry on a global scale,” she said.
Kaar will next be seen in “Chekau,” a 2025 film directed by Khabir Bhatia, that also stars Afdlin Shauki and Yayan Ruhian.
While in Australia, the actress plans to do a spot of sight-seeing, and also hopes to check out the Australian entertainment industry. She has already connected with a local director about a role in a short film, and plans to attend auditions and casting sessions.
“Film festivals are a fantastic place to connect with people who are involved with the film industry. They’re also a great opportunity to see the films that are out there, and the quality of the productions. Anyone should definitely try to attend one if they have the chance,” she concluded.