24/07/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | JULY 24, 2025

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Siti Nurhaliza, Ade Govinda song collab

o Songstress, composer release emotional single M ALAYSIAN singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Indonesian composer Ade Govinda have returned to captivate fans with their latest collaboration Menamakanmu Cinta , an emotionally driven love song. In a statement, Siti said the new single carries a positive message about appreciating loved ones. “I hope this song will be enjoyed by all listeners and become a love anthem that brings together memories and emotions. It is also a reminder to cherish love in our lives. It was created with deep emotion and intention, with each lyric reflecting the beauty of true love,” she said. Ade previously wrote three songs for the national songstress for her 2014 album Fragmen , namely Terbaik Bagimu , Engkau and Tak Pernah Ragu . Ade said working with the mother of two was a truly special experience. “The initial idea for this song came from my desire to create a love song that could be sung at any wedding by anyone celebrating love. Working with Siti was fast and enjoyable, and allowed me to explore her vocal range in an extraordinary way in a short period of time,” he said in a statement. He also expressed hope Menamakanmu Cinta would become the soundtrack of life for anyone in love. “It is not just about melody or lyrics, but a heartfelt expression that touches the soul and captures the depth of emotion between couples,” he added. – Bernama runs until Oct 10, with specific deadlines based on the film’s premiere date: For films with a world premiere before Aug 1, the deadline is Sept 1, 11.59pm. For films with a world premiere after Aug 1, the deadline is Oct 10, 11.59pm. Eligible entries include fiction films, documentaries, animations and hybrid works of all genres completed after Jan 1 this year. The Alternativa Film Festival 2026 programme will focus on free public screenings of competition films, impact discussions and other public events to engage audiences and enhance social impact. The festival will culminate in the awards ceremony, with competition directors invited to attend, with travel and accommodation provided by the organisers. The host city and exact dates of the Alternativa Film Festival 2026, along with the names of the selection committee and the international jury, will be announced in the coming months.

Helloween is responsible for landmark metal albums, such as Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt I and II. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @HELLOWEEN Helloween to perform live in Malaysia on Dec 8

MIRUGASIRISHAM: THE ORION , a Malaysian Tamil horror-comedy, has made local film history as the first Tamil-language production to feature Dolby Atmos sound technology. Directed by Vijay Ganesh and produced by Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan under Fivestar AV, the film follows a family entangled in a web of paranormal mysteries. Seeking answers, they turn to a spiritual guru, portrayed by Vijay himself. The film was released nationwide on June 19 in both 2D and 2D Atmos formats. “ Mirugasirisham represents our commitment to elevating local storytelling through technological innovation and heartfelt performances,” Vijay said. The movie cast includes Joshua Shashi Kumar, Jegan Shanmugam, Nirmala Tharmarajan, Kumari and Komalaa Naaidu, with music composed by Shane Xtreme. Subtitled in Malay and English to broaden its reach, Mirugasirisham has generated FOR fans of heavy metal and its attendent subgenres, the 80s was a fabulous decade as new sounds poured forth in great stream of noise. There was the new wave of British heavy metal, featuring the likes of Iron Maiden and Venom, which was fast making inroads in the US and rest of the world. New sounds in the shape of thrash and speed metal were exciting longhairs everywhere. Straddling all these new subgenres was Helloween and it took all the best elements from the emerging scenes to create a spectacular “power metal” sound. Sort of like Maiden on speed, Helloween released a spate of albums that cemented its reputation as 80s heavyweights. These long players include Walls of Jericho and Live in the UK . But its most famous long players are without a doubt the pair of concept albums – Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt I and II – which have become integral to every self-respecting metal fan’s musical education. That formula has certainly worked as the band has had a long and fruitful career thus far, with the German outfit embarking on a 40th

anniversary tour. Malaysia has been included in tour itinerary with Helloween set to perform at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Dec 8. This concert is part of its eagerly awaited world tour, featuring the full “Pumpkins United” lineup – Michael Kiske, Andi Deris, Kai Hansen, Michael Weikath, Markus Grosskopf, Sascha Gerstner and Dani Loble – a legendary ensemble that unites generations of Helloween fans from the classic to the modern era. Fans will be treated to iconic hits such as Eagle Fly Free , Future World, Power , Forever and One , Perfect Gentleman , Skyfall and I Want Out , delivered with the band’s signature dual lead vocals, electrifying twin guitar solos, and dramatic stage and lighting production. The band last visited these shores in 2018 and if that gig is any indication, fans will be treated to a high-energy metal fest with plenty of singalong choruses. Hardcore fans can carve out their pumpkin heads and expect a blast through the band’s most well-known songs. Tickets are priced between RM330 and RM400. – by R. BALA

Siti says the song carries a positive message about appreciating loved ones. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @CTDK

Mirugasirisham elevates Malaysian Tamil cinema with Dolby Atmos sound

Alternativa Film Festival returns with bigger prize fund

THE third edition of the Alternativa Film Festival is now open for submissions from Asia, continuing its mission to spotlight impactful films from emerging regions across the Global South. To be held in Colombia in the second quarter of 2026, this festival comes with a bigger prize fund of US$120,000 (RM510,000) and introduces a new award category for a feature film from the festival’s focus region, bringing the total number of awards to seven. Feature-length films of all genres are accepted from Latin America and Asia, while short films are reserved for Latin American creators. Following editions in Kazakhstan (2023) and Indonesia (2024), where Malaysia ranked among the top three countries for submissions, Alternativa continues to welcome filmmakers from the region. Last year, the festival received over 1,000 submissions from 33 countries, with 14 Asian nations represented among the 25 shortlisted films. The open call for submissions

Film director Vijay (left) and producer Sai Suthan during the pre-recording session of Bernama Tamil News’ talk show Paarvai . – BERNAMAPIC

“Cinema be expensive for many families, especially those from the B40 community. We believe lowering ticket prices could help attract more viewers to support homegrown films,” he said. – Bernama outings can

positive buzz across social media, reflecting growing interest in Malaysian Tamil cinema. Despite the momentum, Vijay admitted that local films still face challenges in cinema attendance, partly due to the average ticket price of RM20.