13/03/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 13, 2025 25 Close Ur Kopitiam makers aim for 2026 CNY film D ISSY, the Malaysian producer and creative force behind the Chinese New Year (CNY) film Close Ur Kopitiam , has announced its next CNY movie Lost & Found , slated for 2026. It will be made in collaboration with Jaspers Lai, who will take on directing and lead acting roles, bringing his beloved online persona Bao Ya Gu to the big screen. Unlike typical festive comedies, Lost & Found is an adventurous road trip film that takes audiences on a journey from Malaysia’s southernmost tip all the way to the northernmost point. With a mix of Dissy’s signature humour and Lai’s unique storytelling, the film aims to be another game-changer for local cinema. Dissy co-founder Morn Liew said the Dissy celebrates Close Ur Kopitiam ’s box office earnings of RM12.7 million in Malaysia. o Jaspers Lai to direct, star in Lost & Found

25-year-old Neriah is touring the US.

US pop singer Neriah returns with single Gone Girl

POP songstress Neriah has returned with new music, releasing her latest heartbreak anthem Gone Girl with American singer Jake Miller. The single, which follows the success of her last hit tune Only Always , was inspired by the 2014 movie Gone Girl . “ Gone Girl came from a moment of pure emotion. I had just had a huge fight with my boyfriend and all I could think about was how much I loved the movie. The way it captures betrayal, power and control felt too real in that moment. “I wanted to channel that energy into a song that was not just about heartbreak but about reclaiming the narrative. It is for anyone who has ever been pushed too far and decided to flip the script,” said Neriah about the song. The 25-year-old had teased the song prior to its release, leaving clues across the US cities where she was performing. Originally known as Neriah Fisher, the singer first rose to fame as a YouTube vlogger. She gained over 61,000 subscribers by posting fashion hauls, make-up tutorials and music covers of popular songs. The California native then ventured into music and has since released three EPs and a debut album. She has accumulated a strong following for her music, having over 618,000 monthly listeners. Her top streaming markets include the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Lee at a recent banquet celebrating Close Ur Kopitiam ’s success.

idea for Lost & Found had been in the works for two years but was postponed due to budget considerations in favour of producing Close Ur Kopitiam . However, with the latter’s strong box office performance, the team is now confidently moving forward with the project. Acknowledging the expectations that come with such an ambitious project, Lai said he was determined to focus on delivering a meaningful and high-quality film. He recalled Singaporean comedy icon Mark Lee’s advice to him: “Do not focus too much on the box office. The key is to put your heart into making a great movie.” In terms of box office receipts, Close Ur Kopitiam continued its barnstorming performance, grossing over RM13.2 million across Malaysia and Singapore – RM12.7 million in Malaysia alone.

Final season of Mo delves into Palestinian refugee experience FOR a series about a Palestinian family living as refugees in the US, consisting largely of the comedic antics of show lead Mohammed “Mo” Najjar (Mohammed Amer), Mo ’s second season is much more hands-on with its subject matter. Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Elba), sister Nadia (Cherien Dabis) and girlfriend Maria (Teresa Ruiz), with his family still seeking government approval of their asylum status. through the eyes of Mo. The season is a successful blend of both humour and social commentary, such as Maria moving on from Mo during his two-month absence and getting into a rebound relationship with a successful Israeli chef whose restaurant’s menu is entirely food appropriated from different cultures without an actual identity of its own.

While holding on to its comedic roots, particularly Mo’s Palestinian inspired falafel tacos and luchador activities in the first few episodes, the series slowly becomes an emotional one. Loosely based on Amer’s life, the episodes turn into a reflective and sometimes confrontational look at his people’s faith, culture and history

After the previous season ended by stranding Mo in Mexico, the second and final one attempts to reunite Mo with his mother Yusra (Farah Bsieso), brother Sameer (Omar

Amer does not pull any punches regarding the conservative notions of his people, such as Yusra’s initial reluctance to get professional help for Sameer’s autism, believing instead the power of family is enough. However, one of the more powerful moments and messages in Mo is something that resonates with Palestinians. Throughout the season, Yusra becomes increasingly addicted to “hate-watching” the latest Israeli atrocities against Palestinians through social media content. Eventually, in the seventh episode, Nadia confronts her mother, saying: “We are more than our pain and suffering.” In the final episode, Mo comes full circle, bringing the Najjar family back to Palestine, as they face the realities

Mo’s (right) spat with the US ambassador to Mexico over what to call the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is one of the show’s best moments.

end Mo on and effectively seals the series as a brilliant portrayal of a different side of the Palestinian plight. Mo ’s two seasons are streaming on Netflix.

in their home country, relatives and other Palestinians. Other than a few comedic moments such as Mo accidentally calling Muslims to prayer earlier than the actual time, A Call from God is the ideal episode to

Mo is loosely based on co-creator Amer’s (third from left) life. – PICS BY NETFLIX