25/04/2025

FRIDAY | APR 25, 2025

26

LYFE

Artistes need plan B o Popularity does not last forever

THE Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has named actresses Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha as the refreshed line-up of Festival Ambassadors, joining celebrated actor Bront Palarae who returns for the sixth consecutive year. Together, they represent a generation of storytellers deeply connected to audience, culture and community, embodying MIFFest’s mission of elevating cinema that speaks to the now and looks to the future. In this eighth edition on July 19 to 27, this year’s festival will open at MyTown Shopping Centre, marking a vibrant return to its signature annual in-person celebrations. Infinite cinema The 8th MIFFest carries the theme “Infinity”, a reflection of cinema’s boundless capacity to connect, heal and inspire in times of change. More than ever, a film festival becomes an endless space where stories flow and courage, hope as well as humanity converge through the shared experience of cinema. Infinity speaks to the limitless power of storytelling to bridge distances, ignite compassion and with equal poignancy and quiet strength. “As we reflect on how to best honour storytelling through this meaningful platform, we ask ourselves – how can MIFFest present stories in the most engaging, critical and compassionate way? Cinema is a universal language. The passion we speak, through the lens of our storytellers, remains our core. With W HILE the entertainment industry may appear glamorous, the constant influx of new talent creates intense competition, making it challenging for those in the field to stay relevant. As a result, many have begun formulating backup plans – often by branching out into business. One example is actor and entrepreneur Datuk Rosyam Nor, who believes an acting career offers little long-term security, as it relies heavily on available roles and is often limited by age, which can reduce opportunities over time. “An artiste should have a backup plan. We can see how older artistes are no longer in demand because people want replacements. It is like with vehicles – people tend to prefer newer models. The same goes for artistes, as they age, so do their fans, many of whom have followed them since the beginning of their careers,” he said. Rosyam, known by the nickname “Hero Malaya”, said since an artiste’s popularity typically lasts (about) 10 years, they need to be smart in planning their career if they wish to stay relevant in the industry. “I was fortunate because I planned my career. For example, I acted in the film Memoir Seorang Guru , playing the character Cikgu Sunan, which was screened in all

Rosyam says an artiste’s popularity typical lasts about 10 years.

– PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @IAMROSYAM

Shiha runs a restaurant to earn a secondary income.

schools across Malaysia. After that, school kids started calling me Cikgu Sunan, so I gained a new group of fans,” he said. Rosyam, who gained fame for his role as Iman in the drama Keluarga Itu , advised artistes to plan ahead and explore additional sources of income, including leveraging technology, which can also boost financial gains. “Today’s young artistes are more educated and intellectually equipped than in my time. They

have embraced the digital media landscape and know how to leverage it to generate additional income. Being an actor or celebrity can serve as personal branding to boost the business they want to pursue. These days, a business does not need to have a physical presence – it can exist entirely online. For instance, a single TikTok Live session can earn up to RM10,000,” he said. Echoing a similar sentiment, singer and entrepreneur Shiha Zikir believes it is essential for

every artiste to have an alternative source of income, given the unpredictable nature of earnings in the entertainment industry. “As an artiste, there are times when work is available and times when it is not, which is why I need to have a plan. I simply pursue businesses that interest me. For example, I love entertainment, so I thought, why not start a business related to it? In addition to entertainment, I also have a passion for food, which led me to open a restaurant. When people

Union to Malaysia, presenting the 25th European Film Festival (EUFF) Malaysia as a parallel section of MIFFest. This collaboration promises EUFF’s most extensive line-up to date, reflecting the shared commitment to cinematic dialogue, cultural exchange and the enduring power of European storytelling. Running from July 20 to 27, the 25th edition of EUFF will span eight days of programmes and events, bringing European cinema closer to Malaysian audiences through a selection of films, special sessions and cultural showcases. International exchanges MIFFest continues to serve as a crucial platform for cultural exchange, reaffirming its collaborations with The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India, which remain as the festival’s principal cultural partner. MIFFest looks to deepen this collaboration in the years ahead, expanding its role as a key occasion for cultural connection and cinematic dialogue between India and Malaysia. MIFFest also continues its valued collaborations with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Hong Kong Film Development Council, returning for the third consecutive year to celebrate Hong Kong cinema through community-driven initiatives, academic discourse and industry engagement. ask, ‘Are you not worried the restaurant might fail?’ I believe that growth requires courage and taking risks. It is important to explore other interests beyond your main income to help supplement it,” said the 38-year-old. Shiha, who began her business on a small scale in 2016, shared owning a business not only serves as a future safeguard but also enables her to share her success with the local community. – Bernama

MIFFest assembles its strongest line-up of ambassadors yet

Themed Infinity, the key visual is brought to life by Shya.

Celebrating SEA films As Malaysia takes on the Asean Chairmanship in 2025, MIFFest, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), unveils Asean On Screen – a dedicated programme celebrating the richness of Southeast Asian film and television. The initiative was announced by Finas CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib. Established as a key pillar of the festival, Asean On Screen places regional narratives at the forefront of MIFFest, nurturing cross-border collaboration, co-production opportunities and creative exchange for purpose-driven storytelling. European partnership MIFFest continues its partnership with the Delegation of the European

Renewed circle of storytellers.

collaborations with Wong Kar Wai, was commissioned to craft the festival’s key visual. “Cinema has always been magic. A person’s entire life can be condensed into a single film, bare, vulnerable, almost naked and yet, somehow, we feel it all. That is the power of storytelling. That is the magic of time in cinema,” said Shya.

our new theme Infinity, we embrace a deeper sense of hope, to stay courageous, open-hearted and ready to discover stories that move us, challenge us and remind us of the strength we carry,” said MIFFest president Joanne Goh. Renowned Hong Kong visual artist and photographer Wing Shya, celebrated for his iconic