UK-China Film Collab takes “Molly” for Malaysia from Hugoeast on the last day of the Marche du Film at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival.

Directed by acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker Jung-Chi Chang, a Golden Horse Award winner, with a screenplay by multiple-time nominee Nian-Xiu Li. The film also features production designer Yoshihito Akatsuka (“The Flowers of War”, “Kill Bill”), ensuring a visually striking experience.

Molly, an 11-year-old girl with a deep love for plants, grew up alongside A-Lu, a robot brought home by her botanist father. After her father’s unexpected disappearance, Molly falls into despair. Encouraged by her mother, Ye Lin, she embarks on a journey with A-Lu to find him. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges that test her courage and resilience, marking her path to growth.

The global rights are handled by Beijing based sales agent Hugoeast, “Molly” was released in China theatrically at the beginning of 2025.

“Molly stands out for its warm storytelling, strong production quality, and emotional sincerity. We’re delighted to see it finding a new audience in Malaysia, and believe it has strong potential to resonate globally,” said Josie Wu, International Sales at Hugoeast.

“Although the film did not fulfill its potential in box-office sense in its home country, I believe with its high production value, trending subject matter, award-winning team and the backing by Alibaba Pictures, it deserves to be seen by more audience. This is a good opportunity to test the difference in receptions of Chinese-language films between China and the international market. We might be surprised.” Says Hiu Man Chan, Founder of the NGO.

“Via my other hat, the Chair of the Culture Group of The British Malaysian Society, I helped to assemble the inaugural UK Malaysian Film Festival last year. Malaysia is a rising market, UK based filmmakers can certainly try and explore this untapped country.” Says Chan.