KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 27 -- The gala premiere of Abah Saya, Uncle Mike left audiences in tears last night, as the emotional film, which is based on a true story, celebrated the power of interracial family bonds and Malaysian unity.

Directed by Ezrie Gazali in his directorial debut, the film tells the inspiring real-life story of Michael Tong Wai Siong - better known as "Uncle Mike" - the man who captured the nation's heart by raising three adopted Muslim children: Rafie Ahmad Fauzi and his younger siblings, Rasyid and Abdul Rahman.

Since his story first came to light in 2008, Uncle Mike's selfless devotion has become a symbol of compassion. Now, his journey has been brought to the big screen by local production house Astro Shaw, in collabo...