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Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
‘No excuse to ignore world cinema': MIFFest's newest ambassador Daiyan Trisha wants Malaysians to watch more than just Hollywood
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — You can call her a singer, actress, social media sensation, and now Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) ambassador— she is none other than the talented Daiyan Trisha, a familiar name in the Malaysian entertainment scene. MIFFest has been riding a wave of excitement since its dazzling opening last Saturday, July 19, and this marks the artist's third time being part of the festival but her first ever time as an ambassador — joining acclaimed local stars Siti Saleha and returning ambassador Bront Palarae in this year's lineup. Malay Mail had the opportunity to sit down with the artist herself, who shared her thoughts on embracing a new role at MIFFest, reflecting on the significance of being named an ambassador for the festival's eighth edition. 'I feel very honoured that Joanne (president of MIFFest) asked me to be one of the ambassadors this year. 'I feel like it's a good platform for me to learn and get to know the competing films, and other filmmakers from other countries. 'I just take it as an opportunity to learn more about filmmaking and maybe expose MIFFest to my audience,' said Daiyan. The film enthusiast MIFFest is all about celebrating film across borders — a sentiment that resonates deeply with Daiyan, who grew up as a passionate film enthusiast watching international titles. 'As Malaysians, I think it's a Malaysian thing to watch Bollywood or Hong Kong films, and we're so exposed to them. 'I think culturally, there are a few films outside of Malaysia and Hollywood that are really close to our hearts,' she shared. Her cinematic interests span a wide range of international films — from Bollywood classics like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) to some Thai horror and comedy, as well as Korean content. Now on the sixth day of MIFFest, Daiyan already has a long list of films she's eager to catch on the big screen. Each film she's seen thus far has been a rollercoaster of emotions — deeply moving, heartbreakingly real, and so vivid that she feels every heartbeat and tear of the characters come alive on screen. Why it's time for Malaysians to explore international movies beyond Hollywood It's no secret that Malaysians have a deep love for Hollywood films and, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift where many are starting to embrace local productions and a growing range of Indonesian titles. According to Daiyan, now is the perfect time for Malaysians to push that love for film even further — beyond familiar borders. 'Now it's the perfect time because there is no excuse to learn about other cultures beyond Malaysia and Hollywood — these two that we are really accustomed to. 'I feel like we are doing fine, like with Korean films, and also with the rise of Thai films, like the recent How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024), where I feel Malaysians watch it and relate very well,' said Daiyan. She believes that MIFFest plays a key role in expanding that perspective. 'With MIFFest, I feel maybe we can expose them to other kinds of stories because these European films have such a way of storytelling, and the way their cultures are involved in and their own emotions and own perspective. 'I feel like with more people knowing MIFFest, more will go to the showtime and explore European films, such as from Italy, and the Middle East,' she added. 'It's just something we need to slowly learn to accept, and that's why MIFFest is around to introduce the young generation to these other films.' Happy to return as MIFFest ambassador, if given a chance This year's MIFFest will run until July 27, with the closing film being Transamazonia, an international co-production spanning France, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan, with the Golden Global Awards to be held at Zepp KL this saturday. Looking ahead, if opportunity arises, Daiyan hopes to return as an ambassador in future editions of the festival, eager to continue being part of this vibrant celebration of film. "I'm proud to be a part of MIFFest because, as a Malaysian, being involved in something of this scale — something that connects us internationally — would have seemed unbelievable five, ten, even fifteen years ago. 'We've come so far as a nation in the global film industry,' said Daiyan. 'To see Malaysia growing into an Asian, ASEAN, and even European cinematic hub — bringing together people from all over the world to be part of our international film festival — is something I take great pride in. 'It shows how far we've come, and to me, that's what MIFFest represents," she concluded.
Malay Mail
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Eighth Malaysia International Film Festival opens with ‘Ninavau', a celebration of Sabahan storytelling
KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 — The eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) officially opened last night at the Sunken Garden, MyTOWN Shopping Centre here, with a celebration of local cinema and cultural storytelling. The evening, attended by filmmakers, jury members and celebrities, culminated in the screening of Ninavau — a feature film deeply rooted in Sabahan and Kadazan culture. Festival ambassadors Siti Saleha, Daiyan Trisha, and Bront Palarae — who is returning for his eighth year — took the stage to welcome guests. 'First and foremost, it feels good to be back. What makes it special is we get to see [the festival] grow every year, strength by strength — and I think that's the most important thing,' said Bront. 'It also feels good that whenever I work abroad, I can promote the fact that we have a festival that not only showcases the beauty of KL, but also brings exciting movies to Malaysian audiences, especially those living in the city.' This year's MIFFest ambassadors — Siti Saleha (centre), Daiyan Trisha (left) and returning ambassador Bront Palarae (right) — graced the opening stage. — Picture by Choo Choy May Daiyan said it was an honour to be an ambassador this year. 'MIFFest is a platform and an opportunity to collaborate and to learn about each other's cultures, storytelling and languages,' she added. Siti described the festival as more than just a celebration of cinema. 'MIFFest isn't just a festival — it's a bridge that connects all of us. We can connect stories, we can reach a global audience. It's just a great way to connect with filmmakers, a great platform to tell our stories, and it's very special,' she said. Opening with a local story MIFFest founder Joanne Goh shared why Ninavau was selected to open the festival. 'We think the story speaks to humanity, and this year we wanted to support Malaysian filmmakers — which is why we chose this film to open the festival,' she said. 'The story is touching; that's why we picked Ninavau.' Originally a short film released in 2019, Ninavau follows a Kadazan woman who returns to Sabah for her sister's wedding — while quietly dealing with a life-altering personal transformation. MIFFest founder Joanne Goh said 'Ninavau' was the perfect choice to open this year's festival. — Picture by Choo Choy May The short version won Best Short Film at MIFFest 2019, prompting director Bebbra Mailin to expand it into a feature-length project. 'The first time watching the film was very emotional — I felt grateful,' said Bebbra. 'Because this is not just my work. I see it as a team effort. Many people collaborated on this project, and we just had an incredible team.' Lead actress Jovenea Jim, who plays the title role, called Bebbra 'a strong and influential figure' and said she was honoured to be part of the film. At one hour and 34 minutes, Ninavau set the tone for a week of storytelling from around the world. 62 films, 48 countries, 43 languages Running until July 27, this year's MIFFest will showcase 62 films from 48 countries in over 43 languages. 'This year, our theme is 'Infinity' — a word that reflects the endless possibilities of cinema,' said Goh. 'Stories have the power to move us, challenge us, and bring us together,' she added. 'In times of division, film reminds us of what we all share: emotion, humanity, and hope. Let's celebrate not just movies, but the imagination, connection, and magic they bring.'
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Mila Mohsin set to follow parents' footsteps in acting
KUALA LUMPUR: Following in the esteemed footsteps of her late father, Hani Mohsin Hanafi, and her mother, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, actress and jiu-jitsu instructor Mila Mohsin, 31, is poised to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Mila, whose full name is Hani Karmila Hani Mohsin, shared that her mother, the acclaimed producer and star of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Movie, has given her blessing for Mila to pursue acting. This exciting new chapter begins with the film Laknat, set to premiere on June 5. "Coincidentally, Saw Teong Hin, the director of Laknat, contacted me and without hesitation, I agreed to join the cast," Mila revealed at a recent preview of the movie at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. Having made her acting debut last year in Melur The Musical at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), Mila expressed immense gratitude for having learned the fundamentals of acting directly from her parents. "Every step I take, they are in my heart and soul. If the film is successful, I'll be very grateful and thankful to them," she said. Mila further emphasised her appreciation for compelling narratives, whether in mainstream or independent productions. While comparisons to her illustrious parents are inevitable, Mila's mother has encouraged her to "be herself" and disregard any naysayers. "I'm determined to be my own person in showbiz. I feel blessed to have parents who worked hard to excel in showbiz, and they are my role models who have set the benchmark high," Mila said, highlighting her ambition to forge her unique path. Mila also draws inspiration from the versatile actor Bront Palarae, commending his ability to elevate Malaysia's cinematic presence globally through his roles in Indonesian productions and international award-winning films. "Bront Palarae is multi-talented, one of our finest actors, who has put our movie industry on the global map," she said.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bront Palarae wins Best Supporting Actor in Thailand
13 May - Bront Palarae proves that he is more than just a Malaysian actor by winning Best Supporting Actor at the 21st Baannang Klang Lakorn Awards in Thailand. The actor shared the good news on social media on 11 May, saying, "Praise be to God! Acting in a Thai film felt like a distant dream. And now, this recognition is beyond crazy." Winning the award for his performance in the horror film, "The Cursed Land", Bront thanked his team, writing, "Special thanks to Panu Aree and Kong Rithdee for the invitation, and to Nonzee Nimibutr (Creative Producer), Chankit (Cinematographer), and Suraphi (First AD) for your patience and unwavering support." "Sharing the screen with talented actors like Ananda Mathew Everingham, Jennis, the late Sida Puapimon, and the Malay duo (Han Zalini & Firdaus Karim) has been an unforgettable experience. I hope that one day Thai cinema will tell more stories about the little voices and rich histories of the Malay community in the south. Stories that deserve to be heard and celebrated," he added. The 2024 movie, which is streaming on Netflix, has Bront playing the role of Heem, a mysterious man living in the Muslim-majority suburb of Nong Chok, Bangkok. (Photo Source: Bront Palarae IG)
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Bront Palarae clinches best supporting actor at prestigious Thai awards
KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned Malaysian actor Bront Palarae has made the nation proud by winning Best Supporting Actor at the 21st Baan Nang Klang Lakorn Awards in Thailand. He earned the award for his role as Heem in the horror film The Cursed Land, triumphing over five other nominees in the category. In a statement on Instagram, the 47-year-old described the win as an extraordinary and deeply meaningful experience. 'Acting in a Thai film felt like a distant dream. And now, this recognition is beyond crazy,' he said. Bront, whose real name is Nasrul Suhaimin Saifuddin, said it was also an unforgettable experience for him to share the screen with talented actors such as Ananda Mathew Everingham, Jennis, the late Sida Puapimon, as well as Han Zalini and Firdaus Karim. Bront also expressed his gratitude to the production team for their dedication and hard work in bringing the film to life. In the same post, he shared his hope that cinemas in the Land of White Elephants would feature more stories about the Malay community, particularly from the southern regions. The Baan Nang Klang Lakorn Awards is a prestigious annual event that honours excellence in television and streaming platform productions across Thailand.
