5/09/2025

LYFE FRIDAY | SEP T 5, 2025

25 Malaysian student film selected for Spain festival’s NEST contest

F OR the first time, a Malaysian filmmaker has been selected for NEST, the highly competitive student film section of the 73rd San Sebastián International Film Festival (SSIFF) in Spain, taking place from Sept 19 to 27. The short movie NDHUK (Daughter), directed by Koo Hui Yin, will compete among 14 films chosen from 473 submissions representing 220 schools across 57 countries. Produced as part of her final year project at the Faculty of Cinematic Arts, Multimedia University (MMU), the selection marks a historic breakthrough for Malaysia. This achievement represents not only the first-ever Malaysian entry into the competition but also the first from Southeast Asia, placing the nation on the same stage as the world’s most respected film schools. By earning this spot, Malaysia now stands alongside institutions such as La Fémis (France), the National Film and Television School (UK), Tisch School of the Arts at NYU (US), Columbia University (US) and the Š ód Film School (Poland). Beyond the screening, Koo will compete for major awards such as the Nest – The Mediapro Studio Award, the Movistar Plus+ Award and the Tabakalera Award, which offers a three-week residency in Spain. Founded in 1953, SSIFF is one of Europe’s most important cultural events and a leading global platform for cinema. Over its 73 editions, it has hosted premieres from legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Pedro Almodóvar and Wong Kar Wai. NDHUK is about Ika, a domestic worker in Malaysia, who finds a sense of peace caring for her employer’s CHEAPER than therapy, funnier than your group chat, get ready for a night of brilliant humour and relatable insights as the multi-talented comedian, actor and author Jimmy O. Yang brings his Big & Tall world tour to Kuala Lumpur. Yang will perform for one night only at the Idea Live Arena on Nov 23, an event that marks his first official show in Malaysia. Known globally for his iconic roles in HBO’s Silicon Valley and the blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians , Yang has built a remarkable career on his sharp wit and compelling storytelling. His journey from an immigrant teenager to a Hollywood headliner is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unique comedic voice. Born Au-yeung Man-sing in Hong Kong, Yang immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 13, a significant life change that became a cornerstone of his comedic material. He often shares humorous and poignant stories about navigating the cultural divides and expectations of his traditional upbringing in a new country. Before his ascent to fame, Yang worked a variety of odd jobs, including driving for Uber, to finance his passion for stand-up comedy, performing at clubs for free to hone his craft. His big break came with the role of Jian-Yang, the cunning and scene-stealing programmer in Silicon Valley . Yang’s performance was so well-received that he was promoted from a recurring guest star to a series regular. He further solidified his acting

o Short movie NDHUK becomes first Southeast Asian entry in world-renowned competition

The poster of NDHUK .

.Koo produced NDHUK as part of her final year project at the Faculty of Cinematic Arts, MMU.

while watching Jane rehearse The Giving Tree . Later that night, a video call with her daughter finally allows

child Jane. Her world is shaken when a pocket dial from her daughter back in Indonesia reveals a painful secret:

her child is terrified about a possible pregnancy. Ika finds a brief moment of respite

Ika to feel like a mother again, reaffirming the unbreakable bond between them.

Comedian Jimmy O. Yang here to roast, toast, ghost your funny bones

Kampung Ronggeng 2.0 concert back to entertain fans Sept 4-7

KAMPUNG Ronggeng 2.0, a contemporary and immersive concert highlighting village life and stories, will return to entertain fans from Sept 4 to 7. Music director Teuku Umar Ilany Teuku Iskandar said the concert, to be staged at the Experimental Theatre of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage, is unique because it involves the audience directly in the storyline. “This is a village brought to life through sound, movement and storytelling. The audience becomes part of the narrative and dresses like villagers,” he said in a statement recently. According to him, the concert will also bridge the gap between musicians and the audience,

fostering direct interaction and creating the sensation of truly being in a village. “The audience will enjoy new music performed with traditional instruments, evoking a nostalgic village atmosphere with an immersive feel, as they themselves become part of the scenes,” he added. The concert is presented by Gangsapura, a contemporary Malay gamelan ensemble. Following the success of its debut edition in 2023, the production returns with 14 original works in a two-hour concert, involving 65 people including crew, musicians and actors. Fans can purchase tickets at RM99. – Bernama

Yang will perform for one night only at the Idea Live Arena on Nov 23.

selling author of How to American: An Immigrant’s Guide to Disappointing Your Parents , a poignant and humorous memoir that chronicles his unconventional path to success. The Big & Tall tour is Yang’s biggest and most ambitious to date, having already sold-out venues like Carnegie Hall in New York. Presented by Bohm Presents and LOL Asia, the Kuala Lumpur shows, at 5pm and 8pm, offer Malaysian fans the opportunity to witness a world-class comedian live on stage. Do not miss the chance to experience the comedic genius of Yang as he shares his hilarious and insightful perspective with Malaysian audiences. Tickets for Jimmy O. Yang’s Big & Tall tour start from RM188 onwards.

career with memorable roles as the party-loving Bernard Tai in Crazy Rich Asians , the leading man in the Netflix rom-com Love Hard . And most recently, in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown directed by Oscar winner, Taika Waititi. His versatility also extends to dramatic work, including his critically acclaimed portrayal of a carjacking victim in the film Patriots Day . Beyond the screen, Yang is an established stand-up artist with two hit specials on Amazon Prime Video, Good Deal and Guess How Much? His comedy resonates with a broad audience, particularly within the Asian diaspora, for its candid and hilarious takes on immigrant parents, cultural identity and the pursuit of the “American dream.” He is also the best

A full-immersion kampung-style concert where audiences are part of the story. – PIC FROM GANGSAPURA