PETALING JAYA - The lights dimmed inside GSC, IOI Mall Kota Damansara, here but the atmosphere felt warmer than a typical movie premiere.
OrphanCare Foundation had turned the screening of "Abah Saya Uncle Mike" into more than just a night at the cinema. It became a reminder of what love, compassion and second chances can look like for vulnerable children.
The film, led by Andy Teh, Idan Aedan, Merah Muhaimin and Umar Shakur, tells the real-life story of Uncle Mike, a man whose quiet acts of kindness changed a child’s entire future.
For director Ezrie Ghazali, bringing that story to the big screen was deeply personal.
"I want to highlight OrphanCare due to what they do mirrors Uncle Mike’s real life.
"They give children a new life, a new fresh start and fresh opportunity," he said.
He said the organisation’s work shaped the heart of the movie and hopes the message lingers long after viewers leave their seats.
He added that he wants the audience to be reminded that love has no boundaries.
"That would bring deeper meaning and fulfilment to my work," he said.
Teh who plays Uncle Mike in the film said the role marked a turning point for him.
Known for intense characters like Pablo in "Blood Brothers", he said he wanted to show a different side of himself and one that uplifts instead of intimidates.
"As an actor, I want to shape the community in a positive way and not be remembered only for violent roles. I would rather be known for playing Uncle Mike, a man whose actions uplift and inspire," he told Sinar Daily at the screening.
The film resonated strongly with OrphanCare, especially with its Advocacy, Communication and Fundraising Manager Riza Alwi.
She said the charity screening perfectly aligned with the foundation’s mission, which is often misunderstood.
"Many people assume OrphanCare is an orphanage because of the name, but we are not. Instead, we work with the Social Welfare Department and existing orphanages to release children for adoption.
"We want to prevent them from growing up in institutions. That is why we supported this movie, because our values match what Uncle Mike lived for," she said.
She added that Uncle Mike’s story is powerful not just because he adopted the children, but because he crossed cultural and religious lines to do so.
His story is especially meaningful because he came from a different race and a different faith, yet he adopted the Muslim children, Riza said.
OrphanCare’s work extends far beyond adoption. The organisation supports families in crisis to keep children from entering institutional care in the first place.
It is also known for its baby hatch programme, which has saved more than 700 babies, each one placed with a family.
Riza said while babies often find homes easily, older children are frequently overlooked.
"If a child can return to family, that is far better and if they can be adopted, that is excellent.
"We want Malaysians to open their hearts and homes to older children. They deserve love, stability and a brighter life ahead," she said.
This year alone, OrphanCare rescued 77 babies already surpassing last year’s total of 55 and reached a major milestone with its 700th baby saved on Oct 9.