Mohd Firdaus Mustapa Rusley, a staff of Media Prima Berhad (MPB), brought up Malaysia’s good name after winning the Sophia Award at the Academic Portuguesa de Cinema ceremony in Portugal last week.

Firdaus, 37, was announced the winner for his outstanding poster creation and design for a film named Carga, directed by Bruno Gascon.

The low-budget production of Caracol Studios showcases an issue on human trafficking which led to prostitution.

Source: Google Images

According to Firdaus, this award is as big as the Oscars award but is instead the Portuguese version.

Firdaus said,

“I was informed of my win by the production crew via Facebook last week. A few technical awards were already announced earlier before the grand finale of the award ceremony.

“I am very thankful for this award and this is my first international award that I have received.

“Back in 2010, I won an award for the best poster at Malaysia Film Festival for Belukar.”  

Carga is Firdaus’s second collaboration with the production crew based in Portugal.

Source: Daphne Iking

Firdaus also said, 

“The first time we worked together was back in 2014 on a production called Boy. Everything started when they were interested in my works that I shared online.

“From there, we got in touch via email.

“I didn’t expect them to have me on board in the making of their first production, Carga.

“So, I prepared seven poster choices for them to select in March last year. I designed the posters in four days.”

Source: Firdaus Mustapa’s Facebook

Firdaus started designing a decade ago and has shared many ideas with agencies across the world, including Hollywood.

His victory at the FFM 23 became the highlight for him to give priority in producing posters as an important skill.

“Creating posters is my passion and as a means of expressing my feelings and emotions. Hence, this win is a bonus for me.

“I am certainly satisfied when I can make art in this sense.”

Firdaus has been with MPB since 2010, who started off as a graphic designer and channelled most of his creativity in the reality show, Mentor 7.

Firdaus also shares most of his work on his social media site. You can check them out here.

Congratulations Firdaus! May you continue to make great artworks in the future. 

Source: BH Online

Written by Fatin Zafirah