Drifting Away: A Powerful Malaysian Short Film Raising Awareness of Drug-Laced Vapes Among Youth
It will only take five minutes to watch Drifting Away when it is released, but its message has the power to leave a lasting impression.
Commissioned by Persatuan Mencegah Dadah Malaysia (PEMADAM) and Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH), the short film shines a spotlight on one of the country’s growing concerns: the alarming rise of drug-laced vapes and the devastating consequences they can have on young lives.
As vaping becomes increasingly common among teenagers, illicit vape products containing dangerous substances are also finding their way into communities.
What may appear to be a harmless habit can quickly spiral into addiction, with life-changing consequences.
Instead of relying solely on talks or awareness campaigns, Drifting Away uses the emotional power of storytelling to connect with young audiences authentically, making it more relatable and memorable.
A Story with a Purpose
The film is produced by Lumos Media, with its founder, Richmond Than, taking on the role of director as well.
For Richmond, this project goes far beyond filmmaking. It is an opportunity to use the screen as a platform to educate, inspire and encourage conversations about an issue that is affecting more young people than ever before.
He explained that the growing availability of drug-laced vape products prompted PEMADAM and the Ministry of Health to seek a fresh approach to public education.
Rather than presenting facts and figures alone, they wanted to tell a story that audiences could connect with emotionally.
“Our hope is to show Malaysians the dangers of drug-laced vapes through a story that speaks directly to young people,” Richmond shared during the production.
By placing believable characters in realistic situations, Drifting Away encourages viewers to reflect on the consequences of seemingly harmless choices before it is too late.
Young Talents Delivering a Powerful Message
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its cast.
The production invited students from the Cultural Club of SMJK Yuk Choy to bring the story to life. Their youthful energy and natural performances add authenticity to the film, making it easier for audiences, especially teenagers, to relate to the characters.
Leading the cast is 14-year-old Puteri Nur Alisa Chan, who plays Nur Aina. Starring opposite her is 16-year-old Addy Putera Chan as Amir. Interestingly, while the pair portray boyfriend and girlfriend on screen, they are actually siblings in real life, making their performances even more remarkable.
The film also features five 16-year-old students as zombie characters:
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Rather than serving as conventional horror characters, the zombies represent the devastating effects of drug addiction. Their haunting appearance symbolises how substance abuse can slowly consume a person’s health, judgement, relationships and future, creating powerful visual imagery that reinforces the film’s message.
The Creative Team Behind the Camera
Although audiences will only spend five minutes watching Drifting Away, many hours of planning, preparation and collaboration went into bringing the project to life.
Behind the camera, cinematographer Foong Wai Lap worked closely with Richmond Than to capture visuals that matched the emotional weight of the story.
Every detail of the set was carefully prepared with the support of the props team from the 无事双飞 team, while the talented team from Artistic Makeup Academy, headed by Yumi, created the striking special effects make-up that transformed the young performers into convincing zombie characters.
Every member of the production shared the same objective: to create a film that was visually engaging while delivering an important educational message.
Filming Without Disrupting Education
Working with student actors required careful planning, and their education remained a top priority throughout the production.
To avoid interrupting their studies, filming took place over two days and only continued after the students had finished school each day. While the schedule made for long and tiring evenings, everyone remained committed to seeing the project through.
Richmond also ensured the cast and crew were well looked after, preparing plenty of food and drinks to keep everyone energised during the demanding shoot. It was a thoughtful gesture that reflected the supportive atmosphere on set, where experienced filmmakers and young performers worked side by side towards a shared purpose.
More Than Entertainment
Drifting Away reminds audiences that appearances can be deceiving. A vape may look ordinary, but when it contains illegal drugs, the consequences can be devastating. Through compelling storytelling, the film encourages viewers to pause, think and make informed decisions.
Its message is especially relevant at a time when concerns surrounding drug-laced vape products continue to grow. By opening the door to conversations among students, parents, teachers and communities, Drifting Away hopes to become more than just a film. It aims to become part of a wider effort to protect young lives.
If Drifting Away inspires even one young person to think twice before trying a drug-laced vape, then its five-minute runtime will achieve a truly meaningful objective.
