04/10/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | OCT 4, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

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Leon Lai set for Dec 6 comeback at Axiata Arena o Singer to rekindle fans’ excitement, nostalgia with notable hits

THE National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has stressed that every movie screened in cinemas under the compulsory screening requirement has always adhered to the established procedures, thus rejecting allegations of the existence of a cartel in the film industry. Chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said Finas is currently in the process of improving existing policies and regulations, including minor revisions to the Film Act and policies to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all producers. “We’ve discussed this, and I’ve also contacted Afdlin Shauki to get clarification on the allegation. From Finas’s side, our duty is to ensure every process is conducted transparently with proper procedures and governance. “The public knows that we have processes, and we always comply with them. It’s just that sometimes, over time, things change – for example, we used to shoot using 35mm film, but now it’s digital. The same goes for the compulsory screening process and film placement – all these are part of improvement efforts,” he said after the presentation of the Feature Film Screening Incentive 2.0 recently. Previously, the media reported that Malaysian Film Directors Association president Datuk Afdlin Shauki had alleged the existence of “invisible hands” or a cartel that determines the success of a local film, including prime screening slots, promotion and distribution. Afdlin described the situation as forcing filmmakers to “gamble with fate” because the quality of their work is no longer the main determining factor. Commenting on the emergence of alternative platforms, including a new app developed by director Erma Fatima, Hans described it as a positive development as it opens up more opportunities for producers to distribute their works. “Anyone can do business and showcase their content. We (Finas) will not stop them as long as they follow the set regulations. “If they do not violate the conditions, Finas will continue to provide support,” he said. – Bernama Finas denies cartel in local movie industry Hans said Finas is improving existing policies and regulations. – BERNAMAPIC

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ONG KONG Cantopop icon Leon Lai, known as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings”, is set to make his long-awaited return to the

on Oct 10. Ticket prices start from RM388. Fans can secure their seats ahead of the public sale through two exclusive presale windows. Spritzer customers will receive priority access on Oct 9, from 12pm to 5pm, while Maybank Mastercard credit card members will enjoy an exclusive presale on Oct 10, from 11am to 2pm.

Malaysian stage with “Leon Live 2025 in Malaysia”, taking place on Dec 6 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil at 8pm. Marking his first overseas tour stop and return to Malaysia after a six-year hiatus, this concert is poised to rekindle fans’ excitement and nostalgia as he brings his notable hits to Kuala Lumpur. As one of the defining artistes of Hong Kong’s music scene, Lai was an idol to millions in the 1990s and the voice that defined a generation’s youth. With his refined image and clear, slightly melancholic vocals, he left an indelible mark through timeless hits such as Sorry, I Love You , Silly , My Dear , Long Distance , Summer of Love and Eternal Flame – songs that became the soundtrack to countless moments of joy and heartache. His television work is equally impactful, dramas such as The Challenge of Life and The Breaking Point captivated audiences, while their original soundtracks went on to become enduring anthems of Hong Kong’s golden era of music. His work on the silver screen includes the iconic romance Comrades: Almost a Love Story alongside Maggie Cheung, the poignant City of Glass and his critically acclaimed performance in Infernal Affairs III . Together, these works charted his transformation from pop idol to accomplished actor, cementing his status as a multifaceted talent who excelled in music, television and film. Lai’s concerts are renowned for their stage production and meticulously orchestrated music. Previous stops in Hong Kong and mainland China have already garnered enthusiastic responses and widespread acclaim. This Malaysian leg will feature a spectacularly large and creative stage. Staged at the 10,000-seat Axiata Arena, it will feature a breathtaking blend of giant laser backdrops, panoramic 3D visuals and multi-layered set designs – creating an immersive, dreamlike space where reality and fantasy converge. As familiar melodies resound, this concert will be more than just a performance – it will be a journey back in time. Audiences will relive the youthful days of watching TV dramas and looping CDs and cassettes, rediscovering the memories that defined a generation. Presented by Spritzer, organised by Star Planet and TopTop Productions, tickets for Leon Live 2025 in Malaysia will go on sale

Lai will be making his return to the Malaysian stage on Dec 6.

14 productions receive Feature Film Screening Incentive 2.0, totalling RM1.1 million A total of 14 local films received the Feature Film Screening Incentive 2.0 (ITFC 2.0) amounting to over RM1.1 million from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), in recognition of their box-office success. yet, we’ve already surpassed what we achieved last year. This is what we want, to attract more viewers who are interested in local films to come to the cinema,” he said after the handover of the ITFC 2.0 recently. eases the burden of producers but also serves as proof of the government’s support for the sustainability of the country’s film industry and is a reward for producers to achieve higher box office collections.

of RM2 million, the incentive is calculated at a rate of 10% and then 5%, with a maximum amount set at RM500,000. “For example, the film Blood Brothers , even though it grossed tens of millions of ringgit, it will only get a maximum of RM500,000,” he said. The ITFC is an initiative of the Communications Ministry through Finas to assist producers to produce local feature films, indirectly generating the development of the film industry through promotion and industry strategies for industry practitioners. – Bernama

“... the desire is that this reward would enable them (the producers) to make their next film. This is also an initiative to replace the entertainment tax deduction,” he said. He said the incentive was awarded based on calculations according to the box-office collection of a film. For example, for a collection

This year, Finas distributed over RM1.7 million in ITFC incentives, covering nine films from seven production companies that received RM613,702.13 under the ITFC 2.0 in April, while 14 films received over RM1.1 million under ITFC 2.0 recently. Azmir Saifuddin said the incentive not only

F inas CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the distribution of the incentive indirectly has a positive impact on the development of the local arts industry, particularly in terms of improving the quality of films produced. “ Alhamdulillah , we have a box-office record for this year, and even though the year isn’t over