Latest news with #GSCMidValleyMegamall
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.
