By Assoc Prof Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad

I recently watched the animated film Papa Zola The Movie, which is currently showing in cinemas, and I did not expect it to leave such a strong emotional impression. It is not just a children’s animation. At its heart, the film is a story about family, sacrifice, and the quiet struggles many parents face every day.

The story follows a father who works multiple jobs to earn a living for his family. His effort is shown through routine, exhaustion, and perseverance rather than dramatic conflict. These moments feel familiar to many Malaysian families, especially those trying to balance work, rising living costs, and time with loved ones.

What the film also captures, perhaps unintentionally, is the emotional labour involved being a provider. The father not only works long hours, but also manages his emotions, suppresses frustration, and carries worry quietly so that his family can feel secure. This form of emotion regulation is rarely acknowledged, yet it is central to how many parents function in everyday life.

A reflection of everyday Malaysian struggles

For many viewers, the story reflects everyday realities. Working long hours, taking on extra jobs, and making personal sacrifices for the sake of family are experiences shared by many parents in Malaysia. Whether it is driving e-hailing cars after office hours, doing weekend work, or stretching limited resources, these efforts are often carried quietly.

Papa Zola The Movie presents these struggles without judgment or exaggeration. It simply shows what many parents do out of love and responsibility. This honesty allows the story to resonate deeply with those who recognise these sacrifices in their own lives.

From a communication perspective, what stands out is how much remains unsaid. The father’s emotions are not always verbalised, yet they are communicated through behaviour, tone, and silence. This reflects how emotional labour often operates in real life. Feelings are managed rather than expressed, especially in cultures where resilience and endurance are valued.

A film that moved many audiences

The emotional response to the film was evident. On social media, many viewers openly shared that they cried while watching it. Similar reactions were heard in everyday conversations, including among colleagues who admitted they were unexpectedly moved by the story.

These reactions matter because they point to recognition rather than sentimentality. The emotions came from seeing familiar experiences reflected on screen. The film did not tell audiences how to feel. It allowed them to feel on their own terms.

As someone who teaches at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, this response is significant. It shows that audiences still connect deeply with stories that validate emotional experience. When media reflects emotional realities accurately, it gives viewers permission to acknowledge feelings they may otherwise suppress.

Not all animations send meaningful messages

While there are animated films that offer positive values, not all content consumed by children today carries the same depth. Some animations focus purely on entertainment, while others offer little guidance on empathy, responsibility, or family relationships. In some cases, the messages may even be confusing for young viewers.

In a digital age where children are constantly exposed to content, animation plays a powerful role in shaping understanding and values. This makes thoughtful storytelling especially important.

Media does not only entertain. It teaches viewers, often subtly, how to feel, react, and relate to others. When stories ignore emotional consequences or normalise detachment, they shape emotional habits that carry into adulthood.

Why family-centred stories still matter

Stories that centre on family continue to resonate because they reflect shared human experiences. They remind children of care and effort, and they reassure adults that their sacrifices are seen. In a fast-paced world, such stories help ground us in what matters most.

Papa Zola brings family back to the centre of the story in a quiet and sincere way. It highlights the unseen labour behind everyday life and encourages appreciation across generations.

For younger viewers, these stories help build emotional awareness. For adults, they offer recognition. Both are essential in nurturing emotionally healthy families and communities.

Encouraging more stories with purpose

Films like Papa Zola The Movie show that animation can do more than entertain. It can reflect reality, nurture empathy, and spark meaningful conversations within families. More stories like this deserve a place in our cinemas and homes.

More stories like this deserve to be told, stories that remind us of where we come from, who we do things for, and why family still matters.

-- BERNAMA

Assoc Prof Dr Tengku Elena Tengku Mahamad is Deputy Dean (Research & Industrial Linkages) / Senior Lecturer (Communication Management & Policy), Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam.