Kuala Lumpur, 10 May 2o26 —— As global audiences increasingly seek authentic and emotionally resonant storytelling, Her Second Act emerges as a powerful female-led Malaysian feature film exploring the universal tension between responsibility and self-fulfillment.
This spirit came to life yesterday during the successful Mother’s Day Ride organised by ROCG (Ride On Cycling Group) and Her Second Act, which brought together 106 participants in a meaningful celebration of women, family, and community. The event reflected the film’s core message: every journey forward is strengthened by the support of others.
Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Joey Lee Choi Kin, the film is deeply rooted in lived experience. Drawing from her own journey of balancing family expectations with creative ambition, Her Second Act captures the often-unseen sacrifices women make and the courage required to rediscover and reclaim their dreams while staying connected to family and purpose.
From Personal Journey to a Collective Movement
“This film is deeply personal. It comes from a place of conflict between being present for the people we love and being true to ourselves. It is a story shaped by love, courage, and difficult choices.
“My brother’s endurance victory in Taiwan, completing 1,000km in 48 hours, inspired me that we must keep moving forward, even when the road is uncertain. More importantly, it reminded me that no journey is truly taken alone; it is one we share with family,” said Joey Lee Choi Kin.
Championing Passion, Family, and Community
Beyond the screen, Her Second Act continues to evolve into a broader movement championing women’s empowerment, reinvention, and second chances. Supported by a growing network of community partners and advocacy groups, the project actively engages audiences through sports events, grassroots initiatives, and public conversations that connect storytelling with real-life experiences.
The successful Mother’s Day Ride demonstrated how cinema can unite communities beyond entertainment, creating shared moments that celebrate resilience, support, and personal transformation.
Industry Recognition and Development
Her Second Act has attracted notable industry support across Asia, including backing from National Film Development Corporation Malaysia. The project also received an international support grant for a first-time director in collaboration with ARRI Berlin.
The film was selected for the FDCP Full Circle Lab and the Shanghai International Film Festival Works-in-Progress programme under its earlier working title, My Parents’ Midlife Crisis, reflecting its growing recognition within the Asian film ecosystem. It will kickstart its film festival submission journey this year ahead of its release in 2027.
Celebrating the Courage to Begin Again — Her Second Act
As Her Second Act begins its international festival strategy, the film has already been selected for several upcoming festival platforms, with an estimated public release targeted for January 2027 following its international festival circuit.
In the meantime, director Joey Lee Choi Kin welcomes event, brand, and marketing collaborations that align with the film’s spirit of empowerment, family, resilience, and pursuing one’s dreams. Through meaningful partnerships and community-driven initiatives, Her Second Act hopes to continue building conversations that inspire audiences both on and off screen.
