16/08/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | AUG 16, 2025

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The Fox King selected for prestigious Toronto film fest

T HE Fox King , a joint Indonesia and Malaysia production, has been selected to premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that the film’s selection at one of the world’s largest film festivals highlights the potential of regional collaborations to make an impact in the international market. “I am very proud of the achievement of this film, which has successfully secured a spot at one of the world’s largest film festivals – the 50th TIFF. This recognition will undoubtedly help elevate the quality and value of collaborative films between our two neighbouring countries on the global stage. “Hopefully, this success will serve as a catalyst for more local producers, directors and film productions to create high-quality collaborative works, such as The Fox King ,” she said, congratulating the entire production team in a Facebook post. Teo said the film, directed by Malaysian filmmaker Woo Ming Jin and starring renowned

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support National Film Development Corporation Malaysia through the 2023 Creative Content Fund, which allocated RM1 million, and the 2025 International Participation and Promotion Fund of RM50,000. The movie tells a story of brotherhood, loss and the search for love, all portrayed with a distinctive cinematic style from Southeast Asia. – Bernama from

The movie tells a story of brotherhood, loss and the search for love. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @KAWANKAWANMEDIA

Caklempong Acastra wows Expo 2025 Osaka crowd with traditional music

Connecting hearts across Southeast Asia INDONESIAN rising star Nadhif Basalamah is set to make his return to the live stage with his Menjaga Hati Asia Tour 2025. Known for his emotionally resonant ballads and soulful voice, Nadhif has captured millions of listeners with hits such as Penjaga Hati , Wonder in Time and Letting Go . This September, he is bringing his heartfelt music to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in a string of concerts.

Tickets for his concerts are available now, with limited early bird allocations per city.

CAKLEMPONG Acastra, a group of 14 students from Akademi Sains Pendang in Kedah, captivated visitors of the Expo 2025 Osaka with their rendition of traditional Malaysian music. The group secured second place at the International Music Talent Competition (IMTC) held in Fukuoka, Japan last week. Group leader Muhammad Aidil Adib Mohd Nor Azizi, 15, said it was their first time openly performing before an international audience. “Preparation for Fukuoka took about two months. We practised various pieces, including refining older songs to deliver a stronger performance,” he told Malaysian media at Expo 2025 Osaka. Teachers Iza Harlydia Azis and Siti Zulaikha Alias supervised the group’s training to ensure the students’ academic performance was not affected. “We practised from 8pm to 10pm, after Maghrib prayers. During the day, they focused on their studies. We also did not take up their leisure time as it is equally important for them,” said Iza. For the two-day performance in Osaka, Caklempong Acastra showcased Kedah’s identity through a fusion of folk songs, traditional Malay tunes and popular Japanese numbers, such as Sakura and Mirai . The main performance involved a five-song medley comprising Tari Tualang 3 , Ayam Didik , Inang Bakawali , Kuda Hitam and Cindai , which had previously earned the

First-ever Ruang Inspirasi Festival kicks off tomorrow with band Juicy Luicy, singer Tulus THE inaugural Ruang Inspirasi Festival (RIF) 2025, a concert blending entertainment and the afternoon session with a more relaxed

performance, suitable for those who wish to bring their families along, as some fans have inquired about bringing young children. “The name ‘Ruang Inspirasi’ itself was born from our desire to create a space where music not only entertains but also touches the soul and inspires people from all walks of life, not just the youth. “Juicy Luicy was chosen for the main performance because they (band members) are no strangers to local music fans, with hit songs such as Lantas , Lampu Kuning , Sialan and many more. The band is also well-loved by Malaysia’s younger generation,” he said during a recent online press conference on RIF 2025. – Bernama

inspiration through music, will be held at Mega Star Arena tomorrow. Organised by Indonesian event organiser Expoindo in collaboration with local organiser Thrive, the event will feature prominent Indonesian band Juicy Luicy and singer Tulus, who will entertain fans in two separate sessions in the afternoon and evening. According to Expoindo representative Bram Tulong, Juicy Luicy was chosen as the highlight for the evening session because its music resonates with the younger generation, is rich in emotional messages and holds strong appeal in Malaysia. He said Tulus will open

Masters of traditional Malaysian music, Caklempong Acastra consists of 14 students from Akademi Sains Pendang in Kedah. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @EXPO2025_MALAYSIA

Juicy Luicy. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @JUICYLUICYBAND

she added.

group championship titles at the Fully Residential Schools Traditional Music Competition, Kids Got Talent Malaysia and the Bangkok IMTC. The same medley also secured the group’s recent success in Fukuoka. Iza said she was proud of the students, aged between 14 and 15, for successfully bringing traditional music to the international stage. “This opportunity might not come twice. I am grateful to everyone, especially the parents, for their support,”

Established in June 2023, Caklempong Acastra first made a name for itself when it won season nine of Kids Got Talent Malaysia , earning the title national champion in the traditional musical instrument category. Following that success, the troupe received an invitation to audition for season 21 of America’s Got Talent to represent Malaysia on one of the world’s biggest entertainment stages later this year. – Bernama

Tulus. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @TULUSM