DestinaAsia

Category: Movie

  • Filem Seram Tembuni Berdarah Bongkar Rahsia Susuk dan Perbezaan Dunia Kecantikan Antara Generasi

    Filem Seram Tembuni Berdarah Bongkar Rahsia Susuk dan Perbezaan Dunia Kecantikan Antara Generasi

    Berbeza dengan filem seram tempatan lain yang pernah dipasarkan sebelum ini, Tembuni Berdarah mengetengahkan isu pemakaian susuk dalam dunia estetika kecantikan serta perbezaan ideologi antara generasi lama dan generasi baharu berhubung penggunaan amalan syirik sebagai jalan pintas untuk mencapai kejayaan. Diterbitkan oleh Lindo Production Sdn Bhd, Tembuni Berdarah merupakan karya seram terbaru arahan Dr Ahmad Idham dengan barisan pelakon yang terdiri daripada Sophia Albarakbah, Niezam Zaidi, Khatijah Tan, Shahirah Shahora, Riezman Khuzaimi serta Mia Nasir. Menurut Ahmad Idham, meskipun beliau sudah menghasilkan pelbagai genre filem seram, permintaan untuk mengembalikan sentuhan seperti dalam Jangan Pandang Belakang dan Congkak masih lagi ada. Beliau menjelaskan bahawa Tembuni Berdarah menampilkan suasana serupa dengan kedua-dua filem tersebut, namun dengan struktur yang berbeza kerana cuba mengangkat konflik dua ideologi generasi berkaitan amalan syirik. Katanya lagi, jalan cerita filem ini relevan dengan keadaan masa kini apabila ramai yang bergantung kepada dunia estetika kecantikan untuk menjaga penampilan agar kelihatan cantik dan awet muda. Disebabkan masa tontonan penonton semakin singkat, beliau turut mengurangkan elemen drama yang sarat dialog untuk menekankan lebih banyak kejutan dalam penceritaan.

    Tambahnya lagi, filem seram Melayu kebiasaannya tidak lari daripada unsur saka, manakala filem seram Indonesia lebih banyak menonjolkan hantu kuntilanak sebagai subjek utama. Beliau juga berpuas hati dengan kesungguhan yang ditunjukkan semua pelakon termasuk Sophia Albarakbah yang diberikan cabaran lebih berat sebagai teraju utama. Sophia diminta membawakan lakonan berani dengan adegan yang kotor, bermain dengan darah, beraksi di kubur pada waktu malam dan keluar daripada zon selesanya agar tidak hanya tampil cantik semata-mata. Ahmad Idham turut mendedahkan bahawa Sophia yang pernah menuntut dalam bidang perubatan dan bekerja di hospital nyata tidak kekok ketika berinteraksi dengan peralatan perubatan atau melakonkan babak berkaitan pesakit.

    Tembuni Berdarah menjalani penggambaran selama 20 hari di sekitar Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor termasuk dalam bulan Ramadan tahun ini. Filem ini bakal menemui penonton di pawagam seluruh Malaysia bermula 25 September 2025.

    Kisah Tembuni Berdarah mengisahkan Dr Izara lakonan Sophia Albarakbah yang berhasrat mengembangkan perniagaan produk kecantikan miliknya dengan percaya bahawa tiada jalan pintas untuk berjaya selain usaha gigih dan kerja keras. Namun, neneknya Bok Miah lakonan Khatijah Tan yang mengamalkan ilmu hitam mempunyai pandangan berbeza. Bagi Bok Miah, ilmu yang dimiliki tidak seharusnya disia-siakan dan wajar digunakan untuk membantu keturunan agar hidup senang. Filem ini mengundang persoalan sama ada Dr Izara akan tetap teguh dengan prinsipnya atau akhirnya tunduk kepada kehendak neneknya. Ia turut menyingkap misteri di sebalik perceraian Dr Izara dengan Aidan lakonan Niezam Zaidi dan sama ada amalan ilmu hitam neneknya menjadi punca perpisahan itu.

  • KHADAM Brings Horror to Life with Datuk Remy Ishak, Siti Khadijah Halim & Indonesian Star Aghniny Haque

    KHADAM Brings Horror to Life with Datuk Remy Ishak, Siti Khadijah Halim & Indonesian Star Aghniny Haque

    In a special media gathering today, it was announced that two acclaimed Malaysian production houses, Red Communications and Komet Productions, have joined forces to deliver a gripping new horror film set in 1950s Malaysia. Titled Khadam, the film promises to merge the richness of Nusantara folklore with chilling cinematic storytelling, anchored by powerful characters.

    Leading this cross border collaboration is a stellar cast fronted by Aghniny Haque, widely recognised as the queen of Indonesian horror through her roles in KKN Desa Penari and Pemandi Jenazah, alongside Malaysia’s own heartthrob Remy Ishak known for The Experts, Pulang and Sangkar, as well as rising star Siti Khadijah Halim who has made her mark in From Saga With Love and Ash and Aish.

    Khadam marks Red Communications’ bold entry into the horror genre, combining Red’s celebrated storytelling expertise with Komet Productions’ strong track record as a trusted Southeast Asian content partner through works such as Blood Brothers Bara Naga, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 and Siksa Kubur. The milestone project has already drawn significant international attention with foreign investors including Sil Metropole from Hong Kong and Applause Entertainment from India showing strong interest, signalling the growing global appetite for high quality Southeast Asian genre films rooted in distinctive cultural heritage. The project has also received support from FINAS, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia.

    Helming the film is director Shamyl Othman, who previously directed Rahsia, one of Malaysia’s blockbuster horror titles, while the screenplay is written by Fariza Azlina Isahak, the acclaimed writer behind Songlap and KAMI The Movie, both celebrated for capturing the voice of their generation.

    The story of Khadam follows Melor, who after the passing of her mother, reluctantly inherits her family’s saka, a spiritual inheritance with dark and mystical undertones. As the saka tightens its grip, she must race against time to protect her young daughter from a violent fate as the next mistress of this sinister legacy. More than just a horror film, Khadam offers a poignant exploration of motherhood and the difficult choices women must make under both societal and supernatural pressures, told through a suspense filled narrative deeply rooted in Southeast Asian folklore.

    The collaboration between Red Communications and Komet Productions reflects a continued effort to strengthen the local film industry by pooling resources, talent and vision to elevate Malaysian horror on the regional stage. With an Indonesian star taking a central role in this Malaysia based project, the film is poised to attract audiences across Southeast Asia.

    Production is scheduled to begin in mid September 2025 with a targeted release in cinemas nationwide and selected regional markets in 2026, and will also feature Jun Lojong alongside child actors and siblings Zarra Zhaff and Karl’El.

  • Cicak Salamander Jadi Raksasa Dalam Filem Kaiju Pertama Malaysia, ABU SI RAKSASA

    Dalam dunia perfileman Malaysia, genre sains fiksyen jarang sekali menjadi taruhan berbanding filem seram, aksi atau komedi yang lebih mendominasi pawagam. Namun syarikat produksi M Toons Media Sdn Bhd tampil mencuba sesuatu yang baharu dengan menghasilkan sebuah naskhah berjudul Abu Si Raksasa.

    Filem ini diilhamkan daripada perbincangan penerbit Zamin Fakry bersama Profesor Dr Hezri Adnan yang banyak berkongsi pandangan tentang isu alam sekitar. Dari situ lahirlah idea untuk menampilkan kisah seekor cicak salamander yang membesar menjadi makhluk gergasi akibat pencemaran bahan kimia di sebuah empangan.

    Cerita bermula apabila Zaara membela seekor cicak salamander bernama Abu. Tanpa disangka Abu mengalami mutasi selepas terdedah kepada sisa pencuci jamban berjenama ROXCCID. Zaara bersama rakan rapatnya Sofiyan dan Zidan kemudian bergabung tenaga untuk melindungi haiwan itu daripada buruan pihak berkuasa yang diketuai Kolonel Zamrose serta Kapten Fayyad.

    Keunikan utama filem ini terletak pada genre yang diketengahkan. Abu Si Raksasa menjadi filem Kaiju pertama di Malaysia dan jalan ceritanya disesuaikan dengan budaya tempatan agar lebih dekat di hati penonton. Ramdan Che Hassan bertindak sebagai pengarah sekaligus penulis skrip, dengan barisan pelakon popular termasuk Sophia Al Barakbah, Jaa Suzuran, Zalif Sidek, Afieq Shazwan, Azhar Sulaiman dan Maria Farida.

    Dengan peruntukan sekitar RM2 juta termasuk kos CGI dan VFX, produksi ini berdepan cabaran besar untuk menjayakan visual makhluk gergasi tersebut. Sokongan dana daripada Kementerian Komunikasi dan Finas banyak membantu menjayakan pembikinannya. Ramdan menjelaskan pemilihan cicak salamander dibuat kerana sifatnya yang unik sebagai haiwan amfibia yang berpotensi membesar, selain tidak dianggap ganas, sekali gus sesuai dijadikan pusat penceritaan.

    Penggambaran dijalankan sekitar Lembah Klang seperti Tasik Tadom, Kajang, Banting dan Sungai Buaya bermula September 2023. Ramdan turut mengakui hampir 40 peratus filem ini bergantung pada teknik CGI sekali gus menuntut tahap imaginasi tinggi daripada pasukan produksi.

    Abu Si Raksasa akan mula ditayangkan di pawagam seluruh Malaysia pada 11 September 2025. Antara pelakon yang membintangi ialah Sophia Al Barakbah sebagai Zaara, Jaa Suzuran sebagai Sofiyan, Zalif Sidek sebagai Zidan, Afieq Shazwan sebagai Kapten Fayyad, Azhar Sulaiman sebagai Zarmand dan Maria Farida sebagai Fathiya. Turut serta ialah Adam Shahz, Samarinna Tolhip, Farid Amirul Hisham, Azri Iskandar, Along Eyzendy dan Daddy Rock, selain penampilan khas daripada Dato Rizal Mansor, Ayahanda Rani Kulop, Mustaqim Bahadon dan Kamarool Hj Yusof.

  • PARAXNORMAL Menyatukan Unsur Psikologi, Komedi Gelap dan Kisah Persahabatan

    PARAXNORMAL Menyatukan Unsur Psikologi, Komedi Gelap dan Kisah Persahabatan

    Paraxnormal hadir sebagai sebuah filem seram psikologi komedi yang menawarkan nafas baharu dalam sinema tempatan. Dihasilkan oleh Nanord Studio Production, karya ini merangkumkan elemen seram, psikologi, humor gelap serta pergolakan persahabatan. Penerbitnya, Nurul Ain Nordin menjelaskan bahawa Paraxnormal tidak hanya mengangkat kisah makhluk ghaib, sebaliknya menyelami sisi gelap manusia seperti tamak, dendam dan pengkhianatan. Idea asal tercetus secara spontan sewaktu perbualan santai bersama sahabatnya, Epy Kodiang yang juga bertindak sebagai pelakon dan penulis skrip. Berbekalkan pengalaman mereka dalam menghasilkan karya seram komedi sebelum ini, lahirlah Paraxnormal yang diharap bukan sahaja menghiburkan tetapi turut menyampaikan mesej mendalam bahawa ketakutan sebenar kadangkala datang daripada orang terdekat.

    Kisahnya berpusat pada empat sahabat yang tanpa sengaja berdepan pengalaman menakutkan ketika merancang rompakan di sebuah vila terbiar. Vila itu dipercayai berhantu dan menyimpan harta lebih RM10 juta, namun apa yang mereka hadapi jauh lebih mengerikan daripada sekadar gangguan makhluk halus. Tarikan filem ini turut terletak pada barisan pelakonnya, menampilkan gandingan pelakon mapan dan bakat baharu seperti Joey Daud sebagai Yasin, Azhan Rani sebagai Asri, Epy Kodiang sebagai Fateh, Amir Nafis sebagai Anas serta sokongan Ellie Suriaty Omar dan Kamarool Haji Yusoff. Gabungan pelbagai generasi ini berjaya mewujudkan keserasian yang memperkukuh kekuatan naskhah tersebut.

    Menariknya, Paraxnormal pada mulanya dirancang sebagai Super Telemovie pada tahun 2023. Namun selepas menilai kekuatan jalan ceritanya, ia diangkat ke layar perak. Sepanjang penggambaran, produksi berdepan pelbagai cabaran teknikal termasuk peralatan yang rosak dan insiden misteri yang sukar dirungkaikan. Ada kru mendakwa terlihat dua kelibat Ain pada masa yang sama, selain kejadian penolong pengarah tiba-tiba mengamuk dan jatuh pengsan sehingga penggambaran terhenti seketika. Dengan semua pengalaman itu, Ain berharap Paraxnormal yang akan menemui penonton di pawagam seluruh negara mulai 28 Ogos 2025 dapat diterima baik serta meninggalkan impak tersendiri dalam dunia perfileman seram tempatan.

    Sinopsisnya mengisahkan empat rakan karib bernama Yasin, Asri, Fateh dan Anas yang terpisah sejak kecil. Tiga dekad kemudian, mereka dipertemukan semula dan Anas mencadangkan satu idea berbahaya iaitu merompak Vila Casablanca, sebuah bangunan usang yang terkenal dengan kisah seram. Namun apa yang menanti mereka ternyata lebih menakutkan daripada sekadar hantu.

  • MUNAJJIM: SEKUTU IBLIS Tampilkan Kisah Gelap Ilmu Hitam serta Syirik

    MUNAJJIM: SEKUTU IBLIS Tampilkan Kisah Gelap Ilmu Hitam serta Syirik

    Filem bergenre seram terus menjadi pilihan utama penonton tempatan apabila kebanyakan naskhah sebegitu sering menerima sambutan hangat di pawagam. Tahun ini, sebuah lagi karya menyeramkan hasil terbitan Yusrych Global Sdn. Bhd berjudul Munajjim: Sekutu Iblis bakal tampil dengan kelainan tersendiri. Menurut penerbitnya, Yusry Makmor, filem tersebut tidak sekadar menghidangkan elemen menakutkan tetapi turut mengetengahkan isu syirik dan amalan ilmu hitam yang masih berakar dalam masyarakat moden. Beliau menegaskan kisah ini diinspirasikan daripada peristiwa sebenar yang mendedahkan bagaimana ada segelintir individu memilih untuk mencari jalan mudah dengan mendapatkan khidmat bomoh. Katanya, mesej utama yang dibawa adalah memberi kesedaran bahawa perbuatan syirik hanya membawa mudarat kerana ia merupakan amalan yang jelas haram serta bersekutu dengan iblis.

    Munajjim: Sekutu Iblis memaparkan perjalanan sebuah keluarga yang terlalu percaya dengan bomoh hingga menjerumuskan diri mereka ke kancah kesesatan. Berbeza dengan kebiasaan filem seram tempatan, kisah ini memperlihatkan makhluk pendamping dalam bentuk jin dan hantu yang menjelma bagi menyesatkan akidah manusia. Barisan pelakon ternama seperti Farid Kamil, Uqasha Senrose, Che Puan Juliana Evans, Mustaqim Bahadon, Sherrie Merlis dan pelakon cilik Daniel Aqil turut menghidupkan cerita ini. Penggambaran berlangsung pada Januari 2025 di beberapa lokasi sekitar Selangor dengan idea asal daripada Yusry Makmor bersama Zafran Aziz dan Rozita Mat Isa.

    Pengarah Faizul A. Rashid menyatakan naskhah ini tidak mahu mengikut formula seram klise seperti kemunculan pontianak atau pocong. Sebaliknya, Munajjim: Sekutu Iblis berusaha menampilkan keseraman yang lebih realistik dengan gabungan elemen sinematik yang kuat dan mesej yang mendalam. Menurutnya, selain menawarkan pengalaman menonton yang penuh debaran, filem ini juga mampu membuka mata penonton tentang realiti khurafat yang masih membelenggu masyarakat hari ini.

    Dengan kerjasama TGV, edaran antarabangsa D’Ayu Pictures serta sokongan promosi Empire Solutions, Munajjim: Sekutu Iblis dijadualkan menemui penonton di pawagam seluruh negara pada 31 Julai 2025.

  • Filem Legasi Bomba The Movie Tampilkan Kemunculan Telefon Pintar Misteri HONOR Malaysia Yang Dihasilkan Untuk Daya Tahan Maksimum

    Filem Legasi Bomba The Movie Tampilkan Kemunculan Telefon Pintar Misteri HONOR Malaysia Yang Dihasilkan Untuk Daya Tahan Maksimum

    HONOR Malaysia mempersembahkan satu kerjasama istimewa bersama filem aksi tempatan Legasi Bomba The Movie sebagai tanda penghargaan kepada pasukan bomba yang sentiasa berkorban demi keselamatan rakyat. Kolaborasi ini diangkat sebagai simbol pengiktirafan terhadap semangat kental, keberanian dan keikhlasan anggota bomba dalam menjalankan tugas mereka.

    Filem ini turut menampilkan kelibat sebuah telefon pintar terbaharu HONOR yang belum dilancarkan secara rasmi di Malaysia. Bukan sekadar kemunculan ringkas, peranti misteri ini menjadi perlambangan kepada ketahanan, kekuatan serta kebolehan untuk mengatasi pelbagai cabaran, seiring dengan jiwa wira sejati yang dimiliki oleh anggota bomba.

    Direka untuk berdepan keadaan luar jangka, telefon pintar tersebut memberi gambaran awal tentang hala tuju inovasi HONOR pada masa hadapan. Walaupun maklumat terperinci masih dirahsiakan, kehadirannya di layar perak dijangka mengundang persoalan besar dalam kalangan peminat, termasuk sama ada ia merupakan peranti paling lasak HONOR atau mungkin produk yang bakal merevolusikan pasaran.

    Bagi pihak HONOR, kolaborasi ini dilihat sebagai tanda penghormatan kepada wira-wira harian negara. Malah, nama HONOR sendiri membawa nilai keberanian, kejujuran dan keteguhan yang sama dengan komuniti bomba. Dengan memperkenalkan telefon pintar misteri ini melalui Legasi Bomba The Movie, HONOR ingin meraikan pengorbanan anggota bomba sambil memberikan bayangan awal tentang sesuatu yang istimewa bakal tiba.

    Jangan ketinggalan untuk menonton Legasi Bomba The Movie dan saksikan sendiri bagaimana peranti baharu HONOR ini menjadi simbol keberanian dan teknologi masa hadapan. Untuk perkembangan terkini mengenai produk terbaru HONOR, layari laman rasmi www.honor.com/my/ atau ikuti HONOR Malaysia di Facebook.

  • Malik Streams Bawa Filem Tamil Paling Dinanti, COOLIE Lakonan Rajinikanth ke Pawagam Malaysia

    Kumpulan Syarikat Malik Streams terus membuktikan pengaruhnya dalam pelbagai bidang perniagaan di Malaysia. Bermula dengan Malik Streams Corporation Sdn. Bhd. yang beroperasi sejak 2007, syarikat ini berkembang sebagai penyedia barangan isi rumah dan pengedar borong.

    Di bawah pimpinan Dato’ Malik, syarikat ini turut menjadi antara pemain utama industri hiburan tanah air dengan reputasi sebagai penghubung Malaysia ke arena hiburan antarabangsa, termasuk Bollywood dan Kollywood. Tidak terhenti di situ, Malik Streams juga melibatkan diri dalam sektor pelaburan hartanah, pertukaran mata wang, industri perhotelan serta aktiviti kebajikan yang berteraskan semangat patriotik.

    Dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini, Dato’ Malik mengorak langkah lebih jauh dengan menerokai pasaran emas melalui jenama MS Gold. Kini, jenama tersebut sudah pun mempunyai empat butik eksklusif di Jalan Masjid India Kuala Lumpur, Seremban dan Johor.

    Tahun 2025 menjadi lebih bermakna apabila Malik Streams memperoleh hak penuh sebagai pengedar rasmi untuk filem box office Tamil berjudul COOLIE, yang ditayangkan di seluruh negara pada 14 Ogos lalu. Filem arahan Lokesh Kanagaraj dan terbitan Kalanithi Maran ini dibintangi oleh barisan pelakon hebat termasuk Superstar Padma Bhushan Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj dan Aamir Khan.

    Lebih istimewa, COOLIE menandakan perjalanan 50 tahun Superstar Padma Bhushan Rajinikanth dalam industri perfileman. Tidak mengejutkan, filem ini mencatatkan rekod kutipan tayangan hari pertama tertinggi di pawagam Tamil seluruh dunia.

    Kepulangan Rajinikanth ke layar perak menerusi Coolie: The Movie sekali lagi membuktikan daya tarikannya sebagai legenda. Sarat dengan karisma, emosi dan aksi yang mendebarkan, filem ini dianggap antara tontonan paling bersejarah buat para peminat Superstar sepanjang kerjayanya.

  • Raw Emotion Meets Gritty Action in Bluefish 청어, the Latest Collaboration from Jazzy Pictures and Partners

    Raw Emotion Meets Gritty Action in Bluefish 청어, the Latest Collaboration from Jazzy Pictures and Partners

    Jazzy Pictures, in collaboration with Oh’ Yes Co., Ltd and co-produced with Timeless Productions, officially announces its upcoming international co-production, Bluefish 청어, a raw and emotionally charged action drama that explores themes of redemption, human connection, and the quiet strength of compassion. Directed by acclaimed Korean filmmaker Lee Sang Hoon and produced by Joanne Goh, the film features a powerful cast led by Ji Seung Hyun and Cecilia Choi. Cecilia, known for her emotionally nuanced performances, received the Best Actress award from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society in 2020 for her role in Beyond the Dream.

    This project marks Jazzy Pictures’ first collaboration with a South Korean production team. Filming will take place in Busan and Yeongdeok, with the film currently in pre-production and scheduled for international release in early 2026. At the heart of the story is Gwang Su, a drifter burdened by a violent past, who is unexpectedly transformed after an encounter with Yeon Jeon, a mute milk delivery girl. Her quiet compassion in the face of his aggression causes him to reflect on his actions and the person he has become. As guilt begins to shift into tenderness, a fragile connection starts to grow between them. However, a misunderstanding causes their paths to diverge. When Gwang Su later learns that Yeon Jeon is in danger, he must choose whether to walk away or to take a stand. What follows is a powerful journey of sacrifice, redemption, and the gentle but unwavering force of human kindness.

    Slated to begin filming in October 2025, Bluefish 청어 reflects Jazzy Pictures’ ongoing dedication to bold storytelling and meaningful regional collaboration. The film also fulfills a long-envisioned goal for the producers: a significant co-production between South Korea and Hong Kong that demonstrates the strength of cross-border storytelling in Asia. During the official announcement, both the director and producer discussed the challenge of casting Yeon Jeon, a character requiring a unique blend of emotional depth and silent strength. After a thorough search, Cecilia Choi was selected for her quiet resilience and authenticity, which made her the ideal choice for the role.

    More than just an action drama, Bluefish 청어 is a deeply human story about individuals searching for light in the darkest corners of their lives. The filmmakers hope that this story will resonate with audiences across Asia and inspire conversations about the lives and capabilities of people with disabilities. The message is clear: people with disabilities are not defined by their limitations but by their strength, independence, and ability to live full, meaningful lives. Ji Seung Hyun expressed his enthusiasm for taking on this emotionally rich role and looks forward to working alongside Cecilia Choi in bringing the story to life.

    With its emotional complexity and gripping action, Bluefish 청어 introduces a fresh cinematic voice that explores the transformative power of empathy and connection. The film originated from director Lee Sang Hoon’s personal interest in how society perceives people with disabilities. He hopes to challenge the discomfort and pity often associated with disability by presenting it as an everyday reality rather than a symbol of tragedy. His goal is to emphasize that people with disabilities live lives filled with the same challenges, emotions, and aspirations as anyone else.

    At its core, Bluefish 청어 is a life-affirming story about two very different individuals, one weighed down by regret and the other living joyfully despite adversity, whose lives are forever changed by their meeting. It is a heartfelt portrayal of healing, connection, and discovering unexpected meaning in life.

  • 8th MIFFest Welcomes Debut of ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Showcase

    8th MIFFest Welcomes Debut of ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Showcase

    The ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025 officially commenced with an Opening Ceremony held during the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), officiated by the Ministry of Communications and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS). The event was followed by a series of panel discussions under the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen, highlighting the richness of Southeast Asian storytelling while promoting regional collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue.

    FINAS, with the support of the Ministry of Communications, proudly spearheaded the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025. Held in conjunction with MIFFest, this landmark initiative reflects Malaysia’s leadership in championing Southeast Asian creative collaboration and strengthening the region’s cultural economy. Through dialogue, exchange, and celebration, it aims to build meaningful connections within the ASEAN creative industries.

    This year, the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and its flagship programme, ASEAN On Screen, took centre stage at MIFFest. Their debut aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community. This initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment to advancing the region’s creative industries and fostering unity through shared cultural platforms.

    ASEAN On Screen is a dedicated programme that celebrates the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cinema. Supported by the Ministry of Communications and presented in collaboration with FINAS, it plays a central role within the ASEAN Film & TV Summit. The programme places Southeast Asian narratives at the forefront of MIFFest, fostering collaboration across borders, encouraging co-productions, and promoting purposeful storytelling. It is designed to strengthen ASEAN cohesion through policy dialogue and cultural exchange, promote regional talents and content globally, encourage industry partnerships and knowledge sharing, and celebrate unique narratives that deserve international recognition.

    The summit launched with a welcome speech from MIFFest President Joanne Goh, followed by the first panel session titled “Beyond Borders: Funding Pathways and Development Strategies by ASEAN Film Agencies.” The panel featured representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, including the CEO of FINAS, and was moderated by MIFFest advisor Dato’ Kamil Othman. The session explored how regional film agencies can enhance cross-border collaboration, and was followed by a lively Q&A session.

    The Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Film & TV Summit officially began with the arrival of Deputy Minister of Communications, YB Teo Nie Ching. Attendees stood for the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku, followed by the ASEAN theme song, “Our Land, Our Home.” A welcome speech was delivered by Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, followed by the officiating speech by Deputy Minister YB Teo Nie Ching, who launched the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025. In her remarks, YB Teo emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability under its ASEAN Chairmanship, aiming to build a region that empowers diverse voices and fosters shared growth.

    The summit continued with a series of insightful panel discussions, drawing filmmakers, producers, and creative leaders from across the region. Among the highlights was the session “From Local to Global,” which explored immersive technologies and the future of the ASEAN creative ecosystem. Another session, “Cinematic Frontiers: Innovation, Infrastructure and Collaboration in ASEAN Film,” discussed strategies for taking local stories to international audiences. “Cinema in Flux: Finding the Right Story” featured filmmakers from Korea, Indonesia, and Hong Kong sharing their experiences in maintaining artistic identity in an evolving media landscape.

    Notable speakers included Lee Dong-Ha, producer of the South Korean hit Train to Busan; Lee Sang-Hoon, director of Family Secrets, which screened at MIFFest ahead of its Korean release; and Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, the Vietnamese producer behind The Third Wife and Glorious Ashes. Each session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, and the day ended with a commemorative group photo.

    The day’s events concluded with the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Welcome Cocktail Reception, an elegant gathering led by the MIFFest team. The reception brought together regional creatives, diplomats, and industry leaders for an evening of celebration and connection. In her remarks, MIFFest President Joanne Goh expressed pride in presenting ASEAN On Screen as a central part of the summit, in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. She emphasised the programme’s role in celebrating Southeast Asian cinema while encouraging dialogue around identity, collaboration, and the region’s shared future.

    As the 8th MIFFest continues throughout the week, the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen stand as powerful platforms for uniting regional storytellers, advancing the creative economy, and reaffirming Malaysia’s position as a key driver of Southeast Asian cinema on the global stage. These initiatives reflect FINAS’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy, policy innovation, and regional partnerships, and further strengthen Malaysia’s role as a strategic convenor and enabler within the ASEAN creative industry.

  • “All That’s Left of You” Triumphs at MGGA 2025; Ti Lung Honoured for Lifetime Contribution

    “All That’s Left of You” Triumphs at MGGA 2025; Ti Lung Honoured for Lifetime Contribution

    The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded with a star-studded Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) ceremony at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur, celebrating cinematic excellence from around the world. This year’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to legendary Hong Kong actor Ti Lung in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Asian cinema. Known for his iconic roles in both classic martial arts and dramatic films, Ti Lung’s enduring influence continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences.

    The Best Film award went to All That’s Left of You, directed by Cherien Dabis. The film follows a Palestinian couple forced to confront a life-altering decision amid the chaos of displacement and uncertainty. Through quiet strength and intimate moments, the story finds beauty and resilience in the face of hardship. Dabis also received the Best Screenplay award for the same film, praised for its nuanced narrative and emotional depth. The screenplay stands out for its ability to blend political context with personal storytelling, earning her the Heart of Cinema Award.

    A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the New Hope Award by Dato’ Hans Isaac, Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS). The award was given to Red Path, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Lotfi Achour. Known for his theatrical and cinematic innovation, Achour explores themes of memory and trauma with poetic sensitivity. He was also honoured with the Best Director award for the same film. Red Path tells the story of a man reckoning with his past and showcases Achour’s ability to blend realism with powerful visual and emotional symbolism.

    The Infinite Lens Award for Best Cinematography was awarded to Isabelle Stachtchenko for her work on Universal Language. Her breathtaking visuals transcend borders, conveying shared human emotions with clarity and elegance.

    In the acting categories, Mahmood Bakri Chatila won Best Actor for his role in To A Land Unknown, delivering a compelling performance as a man displaced by conflict. His portrayal was marked by quiet intensity and emotional depth. Han HaoLin received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in My Friend AnDelia, a Chinese coming-of-age story. His touching depiction of youthful innocence and vulnerability brought warmth and authenticity to the film.

    As it celebrates stories that cross cultures and continents, the 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards once again highlights cinema as a powerful and universal form of expression.