18/10/2025

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Mother Bhumi enters Tokyo film fest main competition o Multilingual movie shot in Kedah stars Fan Bingbing

M ALAYSIAN film Mother Bhumi , directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chong Keat Aun, has made history by being one of the 15 films selected for the main competition at the 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). Starring international actress Datuk Fan Bingbing, Mother Bhumi is set to make its world premiere on Oct 27, the opening day of the 38th edition of TIFF, which runs until Nov 5 in Tokyo, Japan. Chong described the selection of the film, which was shot in Bendang Siam, Kedah, as a great honour and recognition of Malaysia’s local stories and cultural heritage. “It has been a long time since a Malaysian film was chosen for the main competition at this prestigious festival,” he said. Chong, who won the Best New Director award at the 57th Golden Horse Film Festival in Taipei, added that the film is expected to compete in six categories –

Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Cinematography. He said the multilingual film, which reflects the linguistic diversity of Malaysian communities, is the result of a collaboration among Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy and Saudi Arabia. It highlights stories of local communities, including the Siamese ethnic group in Malaysia. “This film is entirely about local stories... stories of Malaysians. What’s even more interesting is that Fan plays a local woman. Usually, when foreign actors are cast, they portray outsiders,” he said. Mother Bhumi , which also received eight nominations at the 2025 Golden Horse Awards, tells the tale of a woman who works in the paddy fields by day and serves as a traditional healer by night, set against the backdrop of the late 1990s. The film also stars Natalie Hsu, Bai Run-yin and Pearlly Chua. – Bernama

FO R 25 years, Inteam’s songs have been the soundtrack of reflection and faith for many Malaysians and the beloved nasyid group returns to the stage for a concert that bridges nostalgia and unity. Titled “25 Tahun Inteam: Nur Kasih Lebih Dari Hiburan”, the concert will take place on Feb 1 next year at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil and is expected to draw 9,500 fans from across the country. Organised by Icon Entertainment, the event aims to highlight the lasting impact of spiritual music in Malaysian entertainment. Formed in 2000, Inteam has become one of the country’s most enduring nasyid groups, known for songs such as Nur Kasih , Dia , Kerana Cinta and Kasih Kekasih . Over the years, the group’s heartfelt messages of faith and compassion have inspired listeners across generations. According to Icon Entertainment founder Iman Tang, the concert represents more than just a musical milestone. “This show celebrates Inteam’s journey and the loyal fans who have supported them for 25 years. It’s a reminder that spiritual music still holds a special place in our culture,” he said. Iman added that the group’s sincerity and consistent message of hope continue to resonate today. Fans can also look forward to the debut of Inteam’s new single Satukan Kami di Syurga , which will be performed live during the concert. Group member Muhammad Hazamin Harun was recently honoured with an Anugerah Tokoh from the International Islamic University Malaysia, further cementing the group’s influence in the country’s cultural and educational landscape. Beyond the music, the concert offers fans an opportunity to win lucky draw prizes, including six umrah packages worth RM8,999 each. Additional prizes include travel vouchers, Modenas scooters and a smartphone as a token of appreciation for the group’s long-time supporters. Tickets range from RM168 to RM488, with sales opening on Oct 24 at 11am. Inteam to hold Feb concert to celebrate 25 years of music Inteam’s upcoming concert promises to be a heartfelt reunion and a spiritual celebration.

The movie follows a woman who works in the paddy fields by day and is a traditional healer by night. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MOTHER.BHUMI Walid , Mencari Ramlee represent Malaysia in India

TWO films Walid and Mencari Ramlee represented Malaysia at the India-Asean Film Festival 2025, which ends today in Chennai, India, as part of the Asean-India Year of Tourism celebrations. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai said in a statement that Walid was screened on Thursday, followed by Mencari Ramlee yesterday. “The India-Asean Film Festival aims to strengthen cultural cooperation and people-to-people connectivity between Asean member states and India through cinema – a powerful medium for storytelling and cross-cultural understanding,” it said. Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai K. Saravana Kumar said the India-Asean Film Festival is not only a tribute to the creativity of filmmakers but also a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of Asean and India to deepen cultural and tourism linkages. “In Malaysia’s capacity as chair of Asean 2025, we are privileged to spearhead this cultural initiative in celebration of the Asean-India Year of Tourism,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. The India-Asean Film Festival 2025 is hosted by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai, under Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean 2025, in collaboration with India’s External Affairs Ministry, India Tourism and Avichi College of Arts and Science. Other films in the line-up include India’s 12th Fail and Ponniyin Selvan , Thailand’s Time to Fly and Singapore’s Ah Boys to Men ,

Walid. – PICS FROM IMDB

Mencari Ramlee.

as well as members of the diplomatic community, officials, students and industry stakeholders. “The India-Asean Film Festival 2025 underscores Malaysia’s continued commitment to promoting Asean unity, fostering cultural diplomacy and advancing regional cooperation with India under the Asean-India partnership framework,” the statement added. – Bernama

showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Asean and Indian cinema. The inaugural ceremony was held at Avichi College in Chennai and featured cultural performances, addresses by Asean representatives and the screening of Walid . Approximately 200 guests attended the film festival, including Mencari Ramlee director Megat Sharizal and Layar Pictures executive associate Haslina Nor Mohamed,

With a career spanning a quarter of a century, the concert is a reminder that the group’s message of faith and compassion remains timeless.