Latest news with #GSCMidValleyMegamall
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Impak Maksima' returns with a bang
THEY call it Malaysia's answer to 'The Fast and the Furious' film series, but director Dr Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri's 'Impak Maksima' series is an entirely homegrown adrenaline-pumping adventure on roads and highways. Having debuted in 2007 as 'Impak Maksima', the original "drift movie" with lots of explosive motor racing, as well as dramatic fight sequences, is back with a bang as a long-awaited sequel 18 years in the making on July 17. ISKANDAR PUTERI At the redent preview of 'Impak Maksima 2 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Idham said that the sequel, which was filmed over two months beginning December last year, features "a lot more high-speed action" in more scenic locations around Malaysia. "Unlike the first movie, where all the action was centred in the Klang Valley, this time we've also filmed in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Baru and Melaka. "And in all locations, there is a fair share of high-speed action." CITY HALL Ahmad Idham thanked the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) for greatly assisting his crew throughout filming. "'Impak Maksima 2' has nearly 1,000 cars of various types. It's a story with both style and substance," he said. 'Impak Maksima 2' features a cast of veteran actors paired with new performers. From the first movie comes Zul Huzaimy Marzuki, Datuk Seri Eizlan Yusof, Dynas Mokhtar, Riezman Khuzaimi, and Opie Zamie, and they are joined by newcomers Arfie Shah, Nelissa Nizam, Muhsin Nadzli, Fad Bocey, Riena Amirah and Man Raja Lawak. CAPTIVATING Ahmad Idham said the main challenge he faced was to ensure that 'Impak Maksima 2' was more captivating than 'Impak Maksima'. "To do this, my creative team and I promoted lots of scenes and behind-the-scenes gimmicks on social media, and this bold approach has been very effective." MCO Ahmad Idham said that 'Impak Maksima' became popular among first-time viewers during the 2020 Movement Control Order (MCO), and this was the "surest sign" that 'Impak Maksima 2' had to be made. "The MCO slowed things down, but I'm glad that we've completed 'Impak Maksima 2' before the first movie's 20th birthday," he said. Eizlan said that he was happy that the racing scenes were a lot better, with the use of state-of-the-art photography which enabled lots of aerial shots. "Joe is once again the father figure of the movie, but this time his protege is Rudy," he said. SUBDUED Zul Huzaimy said: "While Ray is still menacing, he is a little more subdued this time. Nevertheless, he is still determined to seek revenge against his old enemy, Joe." Arfie, who is working with Ahmad Idham for the first time, said that it was his dream come true to collaborate with the director, as well as Eizlan and Zul Huzaimy. "When I was much younger, I fell in love with 'Impak Maksima' and watched it repeatedly, until I memorised its characters' lines," he said. COMIC Fad, who is also a fan of the first movie, said that he was honoured to work with the main cast, especially Eizlan. "My character Naim provides comic relief, nevertheless, he is an unsung hero who helps Rudy a lot." Nelissa said that it was her first action movie, and she was honoured to be part of it. "I'm not a motor racing enthusiast, but I've always wanted to star in a movie that's about motorsports and loyalty among friends." POLICE In 'Impak Maksima 2', Joe (Eizlan) owns a motorsport centre called APDCREW Circuit in Selangor. One day, Joe is visited by Rudy (Arfie), who is the nephew of his old acquaintance in Johor Baru, ASP Maria (Dynas). Rudy often gets involved in illegal racing and is arrested by the police. Maria understands that Rudy is rebelling against his mother, who disagrees with him continuing his studies in the automotive field. Maria agrees to support Rudy's passion for motorsports on the condition that he works with Joe's company to receive professional guidance. At APDCREW, Rudy proves to be a disciplined employee, and gradually begins to excel in motorsports. Rudy, who helps manage the arena, becomes best friends with Naim (Fad) the spare parts specialist and Puteri (Riena Amirah), Joe's sister and assistant. Here, he gets to know Rio (Muhsin Nadzli), who takes drift classes and hangs out with his wealthy friends, as well as his girlfriend Gia (Nelissa). DRAWN While Rudy keeps his distance from Rio, Gia soon breaks up with her boyfriend and is drawn to him. As a result, Rio challenges Rudy to a race, and he is encouraged by his mentor Ray (Zul Huzaimy), who is also Gia's elder brother.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival showcases diverse cinematic talents
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular Malaysian films Guang, directed by Quek Shio Chuan, and Sepet, by the late Yasmin Ahmad, are among the country's cinematic representatives at the Second China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival, running from June 5 to 8. A total of six Chinese and three Malaysian movies will be screened in conjunction with the festival at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, and GSC Gurney Plaza in George Town, Penang. The Chinese film lineup includes The Goddess (1934), Hong Kong's It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World (1987), Creation Of The Gods 1: Kingdom Of Storms (2023), Creation Of The Gods 2: Demon Force (2025), Honey Money Phony (2024), and A Place Called Silence (2024). The other Malaysian film is Blooms Of Happiness (2025), directed by Ryon Lee. The festival, organised by Lomo Pictures Sdn Bhd with support from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), GSC International Screens, and the China Film Archive, was officially launched today by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. Also present at the event were Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the festival's organiser Aron Koh, its head of exhibition Pan Vui Shang, and China Film Archive director Li Tao. Koh highlighted that this year's festival brings together a compelling lineup of cinematic works from Malaysia and China, ranging from restored heritage films and contemporary hits to forums exploring the intersection of cinema with extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). "This year's festival offers audiences an immersive cultural exchange through the universal language of film," he said. Koh added, "This festival offers a unique platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and young enthusiasts from both countries to share their passion and perspectives. Through dialogue and collaboration, it highlights the power of cinema to celebrate diversity and bridge cultures." Teo emphasised the festival's broader significance, saying, "The festival is more than a celebration of cinema; it is a growing platform for deepening cooperation and joint creation between our two countries. With our shared cultural affinity and minimal language barriers, we see greater potential for co-productions across film, animation, and new technologies." Koh noted that this year's festival marks a first for China's newly restored 1934 silent classic, The Goddess, starring Ruan Lingyu, a defining work in Chinese film history. "As for the Malaysian films, they represent heartfelt storytelling rooted in local culture, offering audiences a rich view of Malaysia's cinematic voice," he added. The festival also features special industry programmes, including a forum on AI and filmmaking, as well as an acting workshop led by renowned Hong Kong director Clifton Ko. Lomo Pictures also announced a long-term strategic partnership with Beijing Tianying Holdings Group, with plans to co-develop the first-ever XR co-production between China and Malaysia. "This marks a new chapter in transnational film-tech collaboration, underlining Malaysia's growing relevance on the global creative stage," Koh said. He added that following its Malaysian chapter, the festival will travel to Xi'an, China, further expanding the conversation and cultural bridge across borders. Hans affirmed that film unites people across countries, and Malaysia is ready to share its cinematic treasures with other nations while also getting acquainted with state-of-the-art developments in Chinese cinema.
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.
