Latest news with #MIFFest
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Fast-rising Daiyan Trisha's career keeps soaring high; bags the top honours of being Malaysia's hottest artiste at Melodi Awards
Right now, the sky is the limit for the exceptional Daiyan Trisha, and she proved that right when she bagged two major awards at the 2025 Anugerah Melodi Terhangat (AMT 2025) held over the weekend. Just ask anyone in the country. This young lady is almost everywhere, and she is also everything as an artist. Stop a minute and you will find out that the ever-popular artiste is not only an excellent actress but also an established singer. And add to that biodata, that she is also a songwriter, scriptwriter, model, and event host. Indeed, Daiyan is a complete package that deserves all the plaudits she is receiving now. What a minute, for the record, the popular singer, whose full name is Daiyan Trisha Mohamad Nasaruddin, had even recently served for the first time as an official ambassador of the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). She joined actress Siti Saleha Baharom and actor Bront Palarae as Malaysia's three ambassadors for the annual event, which culminated in the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA). And Daiyan continues to carve her name as a fashion icon in the country when she created history at the AMT2025 by winning two awards, the "Anugerah Selebriti Stylo Terhangat" and the top award of the night, "Anugerah Melodi Terhangat". This double win not only strengthens her influence in the art world but also confirms her position as a fashion figure who truly inspires many local arts fans in the country. Her elegant and characterful personal style makes her stand out wherever she is, whether on the red carpet, on set, or on social media. The aura that Daiyan brings is not only visible in her clothes, but also radiates through the way she elevates fashion as a sincere and meaningful self-expression. And despite the recent successes, the rising star said she rather stay humble and preferably down-to-earth person that she really, at the award show held in the city this weekend. "I'm just thankful many fans love the way I dress up. I'm not even a fashion maniac. I don't spend much on clothes, but I learned to be creative and know my style. I'm happy many like my fashion taste, it is really an honour," said the 31-year-old Daiyan. "It is amazing to win these two awards here. I'm happy, humbled, and honoured at the same time. Art is something I love, and I hope I will continue to improve myself as an actress, singer and artiste. And at the same time, I do hope the fans will give me the support I need to excel in my career. "I also take this opportunity to thank many good friends, well-wishers, my colleagues in all my work, and director-producers who have always given me much support and help in my career." For the record, Daiyan is a Selangor girl who hails from Bangi. She made her foray to the art world in 2014 and gained widespread attention through her first telefilm, "Dee" and also the drama "Dee, The Series". and since then, she has appeared in various acting credits in television and film including "Sejuta Rasa Buat Adelia" (2018) and "Busker" (2018). She then also excelled in music, as Daiyan recorded several songs that have become commercial successes, including "Cinta Suka Sayang Kamu", "Kita Manusia", and "If I". She is also known for her ballad single, "Penat", her role as Aaida in "Project: Anchor SPM", and as Mia in "Project: High Council". Two top groundbreaking TV series that made waves in the local scene. She was also entrusted to sing the theme song for the 2018 Disney Channel TV series, 'Wizards of Warna Walk', titled "There's Magic Here". In 2021, she became the talk of the town after playing the lead role as Azra in the TV3-Disney-Hotstar top series "Semanis Senyumanmu", which had a big following in the country. In 2023, she was among "War On Terror: KL Anarki", one of the best movies seen that year. Last year, she also grabbed top headlines when she starred alongside Hun Haqeem in the local version of the top series "W: Two Worlds," which premiered on the streaming platform, Viu. She played the lead role of Izara, a doctor and the daughter of a comic artist. The original "W: Two Worlds" series was the top TV series seen in 2023 in South Korea. It was also one of the most-watched K-drama series in the world at that time. Her next big project this year is the biggie action movie for the year -"Wantugo"- which is said to be a survival thriller, and it also introduces the "battle royale" concept to Malaysian fans. Besides Daiyan, the movie stars top local action hero Zul Ariffin, Sein Qudsi, Meerqeen, Sky Iskandar, Elizabeth Tan, Nia Atasha, Yusof Hashim (Ucop), and Arfie Shah. In short, it seems the sky's the limit for the young and talented singer-actress who, despite all her successes, she just prefers to be humble and thankful for her good run.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Celebrating Indian cinema and its links with Malaysia
Reddy says India wants to strengthen the cultural bridge between Malaysia and India, and create new opportunities. Festival highlights shared narratives and cinematic influences, places spotlight on visionaries and women filmmakers INDIAN cinema was the highlight during the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur. The Indian government, represented by its information and broadcasting ministry and High Commission of India, collaborated with MIFFest to organise India Night, featuring the richness of Indian cinema and its connection to Malaysia. Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy said they were thrilled to be participating in MIFFest for the second consecutive year, to showcase the deep cultural and cinematic ties between the two countries. 'From early collaborations like Leila Majnun (1933) to modern-day films like Jagat, Adai Mazhai Kaalam and C4Cinta, India and Malaysia have a long history of mutual cinematic influences and shared narratives,' he said at the launch of India Night in Bangsar. He said the special focus at MIFFest 2025 was on movies by women filmmakers such as Village Rockstar 2, Boong, Second Chance and Victoria. Reddy also spoke about the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held from May 1 to 4 in Mumbai, India. He said WAVES was a major initiative that covered the entire media and entertainment industry, which would serve as a structured global marketplace for industry collaboration and deals. 'India and Malaysia are in the final stages of signing an audio-visual co-production agreement that will enable joint film productions and greater industry cooperation. 'We welcome Malaysian filmmakers to collaborate with the Indian film industry. 'There are available incentives like financial subsidies, tax benefits and the film facilitation office to streamline filmmaking process in India,' he said. The MIFFest was held from July 19 to 27 at a shopping centre in the city, with the theme 'Infinity'. MIFFest president Joanne Goh said they were proud to present two specially curated programmes to honour India at the festival. 'Master at Work: Raj Kapoor, was a tribute to one of Indian cinema's most iconic visionaries, while 'Lenses of Indian Women Filmmakers' was a showcase of powerful voices shaping the future of Indian storytelling,' she said. Goh said the selections reflected the depth, diversity and innovation that continued to define Indian cinema on the global stage. 'We hope to further strengthen the cultural bridge between Malaysia and India, and create new opportunities for dialogue, creativity and collaborations,' she added.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Daiyan dreams of starring in international movies
POPULAR singer and actress Daiyan Trisha Mohamad Nasaruddin recently served for the first time as an official ambassador of the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). She joined actress Siti Saleha Baharom and actor Bront Palarae as Malaysia's three ambassadors for the annual event which culminated in the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA). Honoured and excited to be selected as MIFFest and MGGA ambassador by the awards' and festival's founder Joanne Goh, Daiyan admitted that she was "most delighted" to be part of a world class event hosted by her home country. In a recent interview with New Straits Times, she admitted that she had served as a brand ambassador for many brands since joining the entertainment industry a decade ago. "While I've promoted many local and foreign brands from the start, MIFFest is the first time that I'm promoting an international film festival, and it's a great honour since I'm pretty new in the film industry," she said. "As an ambassador, I've learnt a lot about filmmaking, met so many brilliant filmmakers and participated in interesting activities such as film workshops and screenings. I especially enjoyed myself at the opening gala, the Asean on Screen event and the MGGA awards night." Daiyan added that while she did not get to watch all of the films in the festival, she attended the screenings of the main winning films and enjoyed them. "All of these films broadened my perspectives on the world around me, and made me realise that we have many, many stories in common, regardless of time, place and language." She is a big follower of international movies and loves Hollywood and South Korean films. "My favourite types of movies are romantic comedies and thrillers. As for local films, I love them too, especially when they are about important topics of public interest, such as fighting terrorists (War on Terror: KL Anarchy) and curbing environmental pollution. Daiyan's favourite Hollywood directors who come up with the best movies are Greta Gerwig, Ari Aster, Richard Linklater, Damien Chazelle, David Fincher and Christopher Nolan. She said: "Greta gave us the amazing Barbie, Ari gave us Eddington, Richard gave us Hit Man, Damien gave us La La Land, David gave us the monumental The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Christopher gave us the superb The Dark Knight trilogy and Oppenheimer." When it comes to non-Hollywood movies, Daiyan loves great animated movies by Japan's legendary Studio Ghibli such as My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. "I'm also a massive fan of Bollywood movies, South Korean movies and Thai movies. It is really hard for me to name my favourites here, because each of them has their own specialties," she said, adding that she could never get enough of them. Of the film festival's movies, Daiyan enjoyed Malaysia's very own Ninavau, Palestine's All That's Left of You and To a Land Unknown, and Germany's Paternal Leave. She said: " All That's Left of You is my favourite as it's a very poignant story about the final moments of a young Palestinian bearing the brunt of terror from Israeli soldiers. I'm really happy that it came out tops in the 8th MIFFest, and I'm even prouder that my country has always been a friend of the people of Palestine." If Daiyan were to act in a non-Hollywood foreign movie, she would love to star in one that is family-oriented and highlights universal human values. "If there is one director from MIFFest whom I would love to work with, it is definitely Cherien Dabis, a brilliant and lovely lady from Palestine who is behind All That's Left of You." Since Daiyan began as a singer before becoming an actress, she is a fan of musical movies. "I grew up enjoying Disney movies, so my all-time favourite movies are Disney movies. As for non-Disney musical movies, La La Land is tops any day!" Daiyan does harbour dreams of producing local movies one day when she has gained sufficient experience. "It's a long way to go, but I would love to produce something light-hearted yet meaningful. If it's a romantic comedy, then bring it on!" Daiyan may enjoy Hollywood and South Korean movies most, but she follows the local movie scene "religiously". "My all-time favourite Malaysian movies are Istanbul Aku Datang, Pisau Cukur, Sepet, Abang Adik, La Luna and Imaginur. "All of them carry important lessons in life, that's what I like about them — they are 'edutainment' movies all the way," she said. When asked about her next big screen project, Daiyan said it was Wantugo, the first "battle royale" film in Malaysia. "It will hit cinemas in November, and I am really looking forward for its premiere."
Malay Mail
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Palestinian film ‘All That's Left of You' wins best film at Malaysia Golden Global Awards
KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 — The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) held its annual Golden Global Awards (MGGA) ceremony at Zepp KL last night (Saturday) — an evening hosted by Alvin Anthons and Chrystina Ng, and graced by celebrities from both local and international scenes. Over 12 awards were presented to recipients which included Hong Kong screen legend Ti Lung, who proudly took the stage to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award and Indonesian icon Reza Rahadian accepting the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film. The night ended with the poignant Palestinian film All That's Left of You — written, directed, and produced by Cherien Dabis — being honored with the Best Film award, having also earned Best Screenplay earlier in the evening. Grateful for the recognition, the director expressed the significance of the moment. 'It's deeply meaningful because the story is one that remains untold. 'With this recognition, I hope the world will finally see it — that people will begin to recognise it. 'Because ultimately, everyone needs to know the story of what happened to Palestinians — or rather, what hasn't happened—for the past eight decades,' she said. The event also saw many filmmakers receiving recognition for outstanding work — Isabelle Stachtchenko took home Best Cinematography for the film titled Universal Language, while Lotfi Achour won Best Director for the Tunisian film Red Path. International actors and actresses shone on stage as well, with China's Han Haolin winning Best Supporting Actor for My Friend An Delie, Park Mi-Hyeon taking Best Supporting Actress for Winter in Sokcho, Mahmood Bakri receiving Best Actor for To A Land Unknown, and Juli Grabenhenrich Leo earning Best Actress for Paternal Leave. Let's not forget the New Hope Award — a testament to the profound and passionate humane message the film delivers, which was awarded to Red Path, and the Audience Choice Award going to a documentary, Island to Island, directed by Malaysian Lau Kek Huat. It was a memorable night for films, dedicated to MIFFest's mission of honouring movies beyond borders. While the awards ceremony has ended, MIFFest officially closes today, marking another milestone in this chapter of the festival's history. MIFFest president Joanne Goh has already set her sights on the future, expressing excitement for the ninth annual MIFFest, scheduled for 2026.
The Star
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ji Seung-hyun looks forward to trying satay & laksa on his first visit to M'sia
He is in town as one of the presenters at the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival's awards ceremony. Photo:Ji Seung-hyun/Instagram Korean actor Ji Seung-hyun, who recently starred in the hit series Good Partner opposite Jang Na-ra, is in Malaysia for the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). He will be one of the presenters at the festival's awards ceremony tonight (July 26), co-presenting an award with Malaysian actress Lin Min Chen. During a press meet today at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the 43-year-old shared that he had just arrived in the early hours of the morning and hadn't had much sleep. 'I only got to my hotel around 4am. It's my first time here, so honestly, I don't even know exactly where I am yet,' he said with a smile. Still, he expressed excitement about exploring the city and sampling local cuisine during his visit. 'I've tried satay and nasi goreng in Indonesia before, but not in Malaysia,' he said, wondering if the taste is similar here. 'I'd love to try laksa too. I really enjoy trying local food whenever I travel, so I'm definitely looking forward to that.' Aside from presenting at the awards, The Worst of Evil star is also in town to speak about his next project, Bluefish , produced by Malaysian film producer Joanne Goh, the founder of MIFFest. The Pan-Asian collaboration, directed by Lee Sang-hoon and starring Ji in the lead role, is scheduled to begin filming in September. Ji recalled meeting Goh at another regional film festival. 'I was at the Tarang Asian Film Festival to introduce my new film, My Friend Is A Murderer. That's where I met Joanne. She's also the investor and distributor for my next project, and it was actually our first time meeting in person. 'She suggested I come to MIFFest – so this trip came together quite suddenly.' Although he hasn't had the chance to watch any of the festival's films yet, Ji believes collaborations between countries are incredibly meaningful. 'I'd love to return next year for MIFFest.' He also expressed hope to work on a Malaysian production in the future. 'Actually… how about a love story between Malaysia and Korea? That way, I can be in it too,' he said.
