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Tag: #MalaysianCinema

  • Mother Bhumi Hits Malaysian Cinemas May 14 with Fan Bingbing Meet-and-Greet Tour

    Mother Bhumi Hits Malaysian Cinemas May 14 with Fan Bingbing Meet-and-Greet Tour

    Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, the film showcases a career-defining performance by international icon Fan Bingbing and secured three major wins at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, marking an მნიშვნელოვანი milestone for Malaysian cinema. From May 10 to 14, Chong Keat Aun will lead Fan Bingbing alongside Bai Run-yin, Natalie Hsu, and Pearlly Chua on a nationwide tour across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Penang, and Kedah, where they will meet fans throughout the country, with full tour details to be announced.

    Inspired by folk legends of a mysterious witch in the paddy fields of Kedah, “Mother Bhumi” is set in the 1990s, where land disputes in a Siamese village give rise to strange and unsettling occurrences. By day, the protagonist lives as a farmer, but by night she becomes a ritual healer, caring for her community while resisting dark forces and confronting deeply rooted tensions surrounding borders, ethnicity, power, and patriarchy. Combining elements of magical realism, female empowerment, and land-related issues, the film received eight nominations at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards and won Best Leading Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Film Song. Through her powerful portrayal of the “Kedah Witch,” Fan Bingbing earned her first Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actress.

    The film has also gained international recognition, having been selected for the main competition at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival and the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival. At Udine, Fan Bingbing will be honored with the Golden Mulberry Award for Outstanding Achievement, sharing the recognition with legendary Japanese actor Kōji Yakusho.

  • Banduan Redefines Malaysian Cinema with Global Ambitions

    Banduan Redefines Malaysian Cinema with Global Ambitions

    The sound of Malaysian cinema is about to get louder with the arrival of Banduan, a gripping action thriller directed by Kroll Azry and starring Aaron Aziz. Set to hit cinemas nationwide on 6 November 2025, the film has already attracted international attention, with distributors from the UK, US, and Canada expressing interest even before its local debut. This marks a significant milestone for Malaysian storytelling on the global stage.

    Featuring a powerhouse cast including Rosyam Nor, Afdlin Shauki, Fadhli Masoot, and Adlin Aman Ramlie, Banduan blends raw emotion with high-intensity, precisely choreographed action. Produced by Number Twenty One Media and Dream Warrior Pictures, it represents a bold step forward in local filmmaking, balancing craft, ambition, and heart.

    Adapted from the 2019 Tamil blockbuster Kaithi, the film reinterprets its core themes of duty, redemption, and circumstance through a uniquely Malaysian perspective. “We reimagined the story to reflect our social and cultural realities,” said the filmmakers. Set over one intense night, the story follows Dali, a former prisoner determined to reunite with his daughter, and Inspector Johari, a police officer racing to save his poisoned team. Together, they must face Rejab, a ruthless gang leader played by Abi Madyan, in a night of chaos where law, loyalty, and survival intertwine.

    Balancing homage and originality was one of the project’s biggest creative challenges. The filmmakers infused the narrative with local nuances, exploring the moral complexities of Malaysian society while maintaining the film’s emotional depth. From the language to the humour and sense of redemption, Banduan feels authentically Malaysian yet universally relatable.

    Aaron Aziz took his role as Dali to new heights, undergoing tactical training and even learning to drive a lorry for the first time in his career. Director Kroll Azry described Aaron’s performance as one of quiet strength and deep humanity, capturing the soul of a man seeking redemption against impossible odds.

    Beyond its story, Banduan sets the foundation for Malaysia’s first-ever cinematic universe. Inspired by the narrative richness of Kaithi, the film was written with the potential for sequels and spin-offs if audiences connect with its world. “We’ve built a universe that could expand, but our focus now is to ensure Banduan stands alone as a complete, emotionally powerful film,” said the producers.

    Distributed by Astro Shaw, Banduan will premiere simultaneously in Malaysia and Brunei on 6 November, followed by Singapore on 13 November. It will also make its international debut at the International Film Festival of Australia.

    Producer and Executive Producer Kalyana Devan shared his excitement about the unexpected global response. “Distributors from the UK, US, and Canada were intrigued by how we reimagined a Tamil classic for Malaysian audiences. This is a milestone — the first Malay-language action thriller to gain international distribution interest. It’s an inspiring moment for all of us in Malaysian cinema.”

    With its intense action sequences and emotional storytelling, Banduan aims to prove that Malaysian films can be local in voice yet global in vision.

    Banduan opens in cinemas nationwide on 6 November 2025.

  • KLEPET: Pengembaraan Tiga Sahabat Bertukar Tragedi Gara-Gara Gadis Misteri

    KLEPET: Pengembaraan Tiga Sahabat Bertukar Tragedi Gara-Gara Gadis Misteri

    Filem aksi komedi terbaharu berjudul KLEPET arahan Indra Putra atau Sanji menjanjikan pengalaman menonton yang penuh kelainan. Menggabungkan elemen komedi pelbagai gaya, daripada lawak spontan hingga animasi dan situasi rawak, KLEPET membawa penonton menyelami pengembaraan tiga sahabat yang bertukar menjadi tragedi mengujakan selepas kemunculan seorang gadis misteri dari Ukraine.

    Mengisahkan Paly, Jany dan Wady yang merancang percutian santai menaiki motorhome, perjalanan mereka berubah apabila muncul Lola, gadis penuh misteri yang membawa pelbagai kekacauan. Dari situ, hidup mereka bertukar menjadi huru-hara apabila terjebak dengan hitman, situasi berbahaya dan penemuan wang berkepuk yang mencetuskan pelbagai kekeliruan serta konflik antara mereka.

    Indra Putra menjelaskan bahawa KLEPET bukan sekadar filem hiburan ringan, tetapi juga menonjolkan nilai persahabatan dan pengorbanan. Beliau mahu filem ini disampaikan dengan cara yang dekat dengan jiwa anak muda tanpa mengabaikan mesej sosial dan kepekaan terhadap persekitaran. Filem ini turut menampilkan gandingan pelakon popular seperti Aedy Ashraf, Meerqeen dan Nadhir Nasar sebagai teraju utama, disokong oleh Aeril Zafrel, Joey Daud, Eric Fuzi, Namie SMY, Adlin Aman Ramlie serta pelakon kelahiran Ukraine, Darina Porhun.

    Menurut Aeril Zafrel selaku penerbit, filem ini menampilkan visual dan pendekatan penceritaan yang segar serta berbeza daripada filem aksi komedi tempatan yang lain. KLEPET turut mendapat sokongan Dana Kandungan Digital (DKD) daripada FINAS dan menjalani penggambaran sepenuhnya di negeri Melaka selama 25 hari dengan kos penerbitan mencecah RM2.6 juta.

    Filem ini bakal ditayangkan di seluruh pawagam Malaysia mulai 27 November 2025 dan menjanjikan gabungan aksi, lawak dan mesej persahabatan yang menghiburkan seisi keluarga. Tiket kini boleh dibeli melalui laman web rasmi TGV di www.tgv.com.my atau aplikasi TGV.

  • Starlight Institute Buka Pintu Dunia Filem Malaysia Dengan “Bola dan Impian”

    Starlight Institute Buka Pintu Dunia Filem Malaysia Dengan “Bola dan Impian”

    Cahaya kreativiti menyinari Plaza 51 apabila Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media melancarkan institusi baharu mereka dengan acara Open House yang penuh warna di Starlight Arena. Acara ini menandakan permulaan era baharu bagi bakat muda Malaysia dalam dunia perfileman, persembahan, dan seni pentas, dengan visi untuk menghubungkan latihan industri kepada pengalaman produksi sebenar.

    Pelancaran tersebut turut menampilkan pengumuman istimewa tentang filem sulung terbitan mereka berjudul “Bola dan Impian”, sebuah kisah inspirasi tentang pasukan bola sepak remaja perempuan yang berjuang daripada bandar kecil menuju ke kejohanan kebangsaan. Filem ini mengetengahkan semangat keberanian, persahabatan, dan impian anak muda Malaysia untuk mengatasi halangan serta mengejar cita-cita mereka.

    Majlis yang dihadiri oleh tetamu kehormat seperti Andrew Teok, Kenny Piong, Aaron Lim, dan Joseph Tan turut menyaksikan sesi menandatangani jersi sebagai simbolik kolaborasi antara Starlight Institute dan Chek Hup, rakan penaja utama filem berkenaan. “Bola dan Impian” turut memperkenalkan tiga bintang muda baharu, Seri Nur Adriana Elisa, Lucinda Lew Xin Yee dan Aarhthi Sivenesan yang dipilih daripada ratusan penyertaan dalam Project Starlight Audition 2025.

    Menurut Aaron Lim, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Starlight Institute dan penerbit filem tersebut, pelancaran ini bukan sekadar memperkenalkan akademi tetapi membina jambatan antara pendidikan dan dunia produksi profesional. Beliau menegaskan bahawa inilah tempat di mana bakat muda diberi peluang untuk berlatih, beraksi, dan bersinar di layar perak.

    Filem ini akan diarahkan oleh Rayson Ng, pengarah berpengalaman yang telah mengarah lebih 1,500 projek komersial dan dokumentari, termasuk kerjasama bersama AFC dan jenama terkenal tempatan. “Bola dan Impian” akan memulakan penggambaran pada November hingga Disember 2025 di Johor dan dijadualkan untuk tayangan di pawagam pada Mei 2026.

    Sebagai sebahagian daripada inisiatif pembangunan bakat, Starlight Institute turut menandatangani Memorandum Persefahaman (MOU) bersama beberapa rakan strategik industri seperti Falcon TVET University, Aotu Theatre, Antplus Entertainment, Synergy Media Entertainment, dan JM Music. Kolaborasi ini diharap dapat membuka lebih banyak ruang latihan dan peluang produksi untuk pelajar tempatan yang bercita-cita menjadi bintang di layar skrin dan pentas antarabangsa.

    Dengan semangat pendidikan, seni, dan kreativiti, Starlight Institute of Screen and Stage Media kini bersedia menjadi pusat utama penghasilan bakat baharu dalam industri hiburan Malaysia. “Bola dan Impian” menjadi simbol permulaan kepada perjalanan besar ini — satu kisah yang bukan sekadar tentang bola sepak, tetapi tentang semangat untuk bermimpi dan berjuang.

  • 62nd Asia-Pacific Film Festival Kicks Off in Malaysia 29 November with Peter Pau Leading Jury and Syafiq Kyle Honoured as Rising Icon

    62nd Asia-Pacific Film Festival Kicks Off in Malaysia 29 November with Peter Pau Leading Jury and Syafiq Kyle Honoured as Rising Icon

    The 62nd Asia Pacific Film Festival (APFF) was officially introduced today through a press conference at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, signalling the return of one of the region’s most iconic film celebrations.

    First held in 1954 by the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia Pacific (FPA), the APFF is a travelling event that has toured various member nations for over sixty years, honouring outstanding achievements in filmmaking while promoting cultural understanding across borders. The 2025 edition is set to run from 29 November to 6 December in Kuala Lumpur, with all film screenings hosted at GSC Cinemas, the festival’s Official Cinema Partner. The event is presented by Lomo Pictures Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian production house committed to showcasing works that value creative authenticity and amplify regional voices.

    At the launch, Organising Chairman Aron Koh expressed that hosting the APFF in Malaysia once again is both a tribute to cinema and a sign of trust in the nation’s creative sector. He described the festival as belonging to everyone who believes in the ability of stories to connect people regardless of boundaries.

    FPA Secretary General Pansha shared that returning the festival to Malaysia feels like coming home, highlighting the organisation’s mission to nurture communities and offer a platform for new storytellers. He reaffirmed that cinema remains one of the strongest mediums for building connections and fostering cultural dialogue.

    One of the day’s biggest reveals was the announcement of Academy Award winner Peter Pau as Jury President for the Asia Pacific Competition. Hailing from Hong Kong and raised in a family closely linked to the film industry, Pau graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1983 and rose to global prominence for his masterful cinematography, particularly in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which earned him the Oscar for Best Cinematography. With over forty years of experience and acclaimed works such as The Bride with White Hair, Perhaps Love, and Sword Master, Pau brings a wealth of expertise and international stature to the jury.

    The APFF also honoured Malaysian actor Syafiq Kyle with the FPA Asia Pacific Rising Icon Award, recognising his increasing influence and contributions to cinema in the region. Since gaining attention as a finalist in Hero Remaja, Syafiq has established himself as one of the country’s most versatile leading actors, delivering notable performances in Sheriff Narko Integriti, The Experts, and Blood Brothers Bara Naga.

    Adding to the excitement, the official key visual for this year’s festival was revealed, crafted by local independent artist and designer Iqbal Hakim Boo. The design embodies APFF’s dedication to promoting the distinct artistic identity and creative spirit of the region.