Latest news with #PrimeworksStudios
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ejen Ali a highlight of Malaysia's creative talent at Osaka World Expo
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's beloved animated character, Ejen Ali, continues to make history, having been honoured with the opportunity to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. Symbolising the aspirations of Malaysian youth in the digital era and the future of technology, Ejen Ali's involvement on this international stage not only brings immense pride to the local animation industry but also showcases the growing global recognition of Malaysia's creative talent. Ejen Ali and Ejen Alicia's presence at the Malaysia Pavilion has proven to be an extraordinary draw. Visitors from various countries have been observed queuing for long periods just for the chance to meet and take photos with these animated heroes. The enthusiastic reception demonstrates the global appeal of this homegrown intellectual property (IP) by Primeworks Studios and Wau Animation. Representing the strength of Malaysia's creative industry, Ejen Ali conveys universal messages rooted in courage, integrity, and loyalty – values that are easily understood and embraced across different cultures. A statement from the creators highlighted that even though many visitors in Osaka were encountering the character for the first time, the dynamic visuals and spirited narrative on display immediately captured their attention. "Among the most heartwarming moments was when a Japanese child returned to the booth after watching a trailer and excitedly declared, 'I want to be like him!' "This moment perfectly illustrates Ejen Ali's subtle yet effective ability to convey Malaysian aspirations, inspiration, and identity," it said. Ejen Ali The Movie 2 director and Chief Content Officer of Wau Animation, Usamah Zaid Yasin, also visited the Malaysia Pavilion on July 21 and 22. He also took part in a special sharing session, revealing the creative process behind the development of the Ejen Ali franchise and WAU Animation's vision for producing world-class animated content. The session received an overwhelming response from visitors of diverse backgrounds, including Japanese creative industry professionals who expressed keen interest in learning more about the IP, thereby opening doors for future international collaborations and partnerships. The World Expo 2025, currently running until Oct 13, is expected to welcome over 28 million visitors from across the globe. As a platform that unites international ideas, technology, and cultures, Ejen Ali's participation strengthens Malaysia's position in creative content, digital education, and cultural diplomacy on a global scale.
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga' to debut on Netflix this August
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian action thriller Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, co-directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, is set to premiere globally on Netflix on Aug 10. In a joint statement, the directors expressed their hope that the worldwide release would introduce more international viewers to Malaysian action cinema. "I am beyond happy to launch this film on Netflix," said Syafiq. "I truly hope Blood Brothers: Bara Naga will be loved by audiences all around the world and will give an opportunity to our Malaysian audience who missed it in cinemas." Abhilash added, "With a crew of 200 Malaysians, this film was made with passion and love over the course of two years, becoming the country's most successful action film of 2025. As the director and writer of the film, Syafiq and I are excited and honoured to finally share Blood Brothers: Bara Naga with the global audiences of Netflix." Blood Brothers boasts a star-studded cast including Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahaya, Amelia Henderson, Syazwan Zulkifly, Andy Teh, Irfan Zaini, Wan Hanafi Su, and Zamarul Hisham. The film revolves around Ariff (Syafiq Kyle), an elite bodyguard who finds himself in a deadly showdown when he is framed for a crime and his best friend, Ghaz (Sharnaaz Ahmad), becomes his fiercest adversary. Sharnaaz commented, "It's an honour for me to be part of this film. I hope it brings thrill and entertainment to a wider global audience when it becomes available on Netflix." The film has already been released in cinemas in Singapore, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Earlier, Skop Productions and distributor Primeworks Studios announced that the movie had raked in a massive RM62 million at the box office in just 20 days.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Ejen Ali 2 continues its amazing run as producers now hoping for mission accomplished with an impressive RM65mil haul
Hit animated movie "Ejen Ali The Movie 2" (EATM2) is still doing well with local cinemagoers and producers are now hoping to reach the mission possible of seeing a total haul of RM65 million, itself that will be an amazing benchmark for animated movies. Producers of the movie, Primeworks Studios, have called the Malaysian fans of the movies, whom they have nicknames 'Agents', to continue supporting the movie, which has already hit the magic number of RM55.1 million this week, the highest ever collection for an animated movie in Malaysia. "Agents, time is running out. We are in a mission now. We are hoping for a never before seen collection for an animated movie and we hope our agents will see us through in reaching the target," said Pinework Studios in a statement. The media release also pointed out that the biggest number of fans for the movie are from Selangor, Federal Territories (KL and Putrajaya), Johor, Perak and Kedah . "We are counting on our Agents the deliver and ensure further success of this movie. We thank the fans for the immense support and we have they continue supporting us. "Let's create another big success for local animated films. The producers also promise to up the tempo and raise the bar in our future ventures. Again, we thank all agents (fans) for their fantastic support," said Pinework Studios. Even more impressive, EATM2 has now surpassed the grossing of blockbuster films from Hollywood and Asia over the past two months. This is a clear testament to the confidence and extraordinary support of Malaysian audiences for animated films that are based on local identity and spirit. 'This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning," said Usamah Zaid Yasin, director of the EATM2 film. "I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success. "Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas to ensure that EATM2 continues to be the audience's choice. "And of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been our backbone and main source of inspiration since day one.' From an animated series on television to the silver screen, Ejen Ali has grown into a mature and influential franchise. This second film not only strengthens the brand, but also reflects the evolution of local animated storytelling that is bolder, more dimensional and touches the hearts of various audiences. The first two seasons of the series were followed by 'Ejen Ali The Movie' in November 2019, which grossed an impressive RM30 million (US$8 million) in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films in Malaysia to date. The latest installment, 'Ejen Ali Season 3', also holds the title of being the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, and the series was launched exclusively on the streaming service in June 2022. For the record, EATM2 is still showing in cinemas nationwide.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' Malaysia's highest-grossing animated film of all time
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular animated film Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has continued its historic run, achieving a collection of RM55.1 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Malaysian cinemas. In a press statement released yesterday, the movie, a collaboration between WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios, not only surpassed all local and international animated films but also outperformed several Hollywood and Asian blockbusters screened over the past two months. "It's a testament to the audience's confidence and extraordinary support for animated scripts based on local identity and spirit," said the film's director, Usamah Zaid Yasin. He added: "This success is the result of the hard work of the creative team and the strong support from the animation's loyal fans since day one. This isn't just WAU Animation's success; it belongs to all the agents who believe in and stand with us." "I truly appreciate the dedication of the WAU Animation team, who worked tirelessly, and Primeworks Studios, who were committed to promoting this film with fresh and bold ideas, ensuring it remains the audience's choice. "Of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been the backbone and main source of inspiration since day one," he said.
The Star
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Super-hit movie Ejen Ali 2 achieves the highest box office income for local and international animated films in Malaysia
With a gross of RM55.1 million, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has now officially been crowned as the highest grossing animated film in the history of Malaysian cinema, surpassing all local and international animated works that have ever been screened. Even more impressive, EATM2 has now surpassed the grossing of blockbuster films from Hollywood and Asia over the past two months. This is a clear testament to the confidence and extraordinary support of Malaysian audiences for animated films that are based on local identity and spirit. 'This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning. "I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success. "Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas to ensure that EATM2 continues to be the audience's choice. "And of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been our backbone and main source of inspiration since day one,' said Usamah Zaid Yasin, director of the EATM2 film. On the other hand, Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios, paid tribute to all those who worked on the project and said every one individual involved in the project deserve a pat on their back. 'This achievement is the result of our shared cooperation, trust and passion. We hope that the audience will continue to support EATM2 and help us reach our next collection target of RM60 million. "Only with your strong support can we realize our dream of producing the next Ejen Ali script, for the development of the local creative industry that will make Malaysia proud,' said Nini. From an animated series on television to the silver screen, Ejen Ali has grown into a mature and influential franchise. This second film not only strengthens the brand, but also reflects the evolution of local animated storytelling that is bolder, more dimensional and touches the hearts of various audiences. For the record, the film is still showing in cinemas nationwide. About Ejen Ali the Movie 2 Set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, 'Ejen Ali the Movie 2' follows a young boy who is accidentally recruited as a secret agent by the Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA) intelligence agency. Ejen Ali is eager to prove himself in Project Satria, MATA's latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted armored suit. As Ali struggles with his new responsibility to master Satria, he must accept MATA's decision to give his friend (and rival) Alicia the next holder of the supercomputer device, IRIS. Meanwhile, the hacker Neonimus resurfaces to wreak havoc on MATA, signaling a larger conspiracy in Cyberaya. Since its premiere on Malaysian television channel TV3 in 2016, 'Ejen Ali' has been broadcast and streamed in over 65 countries across South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and North America. The first two seasons of the series were followed by 'Ejen Ali The Movie' in November 2019, which grossed an impressive RM30 million (USD8 million) in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films in Malaysia to date. The latest installment, 'Ejen Ali Season 3', also holds the title of being the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, and will first launch exclusively on the streaming service in June 2022.
