09/03/2026

LYFE MONDAY | MAR 9, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Zul Ariffin lends voice to Goat character S ONY Pictures Entertainment Malaysia is adding a local touch to a Hollywood blockbuster animated film o Action star replaces David Harbour for M’sian cut

with the country’s leading action star Zul Ariffin lending his voice to Goat ’s Archie. In a career-defining move, Zul is stepping away from the high-octane action movie sets he is known for and into the recording booth to bring Archie to life in English. Zul will be replacing Archie’s original voice actor David Harbour for the exclusive Malaysian version of Goat , which will simultaneously retain the rest of its original Hollywood voice actor line-up. This marks an iconic milestone for the actor, as it represents his first time voicing an animated character in English. Furthermore, Zul has made history as the first Malaysian actor to voice a character in an English-language film alongside a Hollywood cast. Goat is an original action-comedy set in an all-animal world. The story follows Will, a small goat with big dreams who gets a once-in-a-lifetime

Zul is the first Malaysian actor to voice a character in an English-language film alongside a Hollywood cast.

Goat is produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the studio behind Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the artists that made KPop Demon Hunters . Fans are encouraged to catch this exclusive Malaysian cut to experience the character’s journey through Zul’s fresh new performance.

shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will’s new teammates are not thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionise the sport and prove once and for all that “smalls can ball!”

Zul (left) joins the global cast of Goat as the voice of Archie.

Mitski set for Kuala Lumpur performance in July to support album

SINGER-SONGWRITER Mitski has announced her latest world tour Mitski presents Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, with a Kuala Lumpur stop taking place at Zepp KL on July 20. Renowned for her introspective songwriting and commanding stage presence, Mitski has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in modern indie music. In support of her eighth studio album Nothing’s About to Happen to Me – the 2026 world tour will take Mitski’s music to audiences worldwide. It marks Mitski’s long-awaited return to Asia, with her performing in the region for the first time in several years. The tour will be making stops in several cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok

and Manila. Mitski wrote all of the songs and performed all of the vocals on Nothing’s About to Happen to Me. The album continues the musical through line established with her 2023 critically acclaimed album The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We . Supported by a live band and orchestra, Nothing’s About to Happen to Me finds Mitski immersing herself in a rich narrative whose main character is a reclusive woman in an unkempt house. Outside of her home, she is deviant but inside, she is free. Throughout her career, Mitski has released seven albums, four of which are certified gold. Her song My Love Mine All Mine was a global sensation and is four-times platinum. Mitski’s varied

The Best Short Film will receive RM8,000.

Raintown Film Festival kicks off short film competition

IN line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the 3rd Raintown Film Festival is scheduled for early September, with the Raintown Short Film Competition 2026 now open for submissions with the theme “After the Rain”, inviting creators to tell stories inspired by after the rain. Building on the success of the Raintown Short Film Competition 2025, which attracted 103 filmmakers including high school students, film students, emerging directors, established filmmakers and even retirees, submissions for this year’s competition will close on June 14. 20 shortlisted films will be screened during the festival, with the Best Short Film receiving RM8,000. Over the three-day festival, films shot in Taiping will be screened alongside a documentary talk on the relocation of Terong SJK (C) Aik Hua, a government-funded project previously announced by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. Guided tours of Taiping Hill will also be offered, giving

audiences a chance to explore the town’s unique charm beyond the screen. Founded in 2024 by Malaysian filmmaker Jacky Yeap, the Raintown Film Festival is held annually in Taiping, Perak. The festival screens local films and hosts film talks, workshops, outdoor screenings and guided tours, allowing audiences to enjoy Malaysian cinema while exploring Taiping, also known as Raintown, the wettest town in Malaysia. Audience numbers have grown steadily since its launch, attracting film enthusiasts from across the country. As a key cultural platform for film, the festival not only promotes Taiping but also organises the Raintown Short Film Competition, providing a space for creators to engage with audiences. Exchanges with experienced filmmakers inspire young and emerging talent, enhance work quality, expand collaboration opportunities and cultivate audience appreciation of film.

Mitski is making her long-awaited return to Asia. collaborations with other artistes include two co-writes on the most recent Florence and the Machine album Everybody Scream and with David Bryne and Son Lux for the Oscar-nominated This is A Life . She is currently writing and lyrics for the musical adaptation of The Queen’s Gambit . Promoted by AEG Presents Asia, the artiste pre-sale for Mitski’s Kuala Lumpur performance will take place today from 10am to 11.59pm. This will be followed by the Spotify pre-sale tomorrow, 10am to 11.59pm local time. General ticket sales will open on Wednesday, 10am onwards. Tickets are priced from RM358. Mitski’s world tour is set to become a must-see event for fans across the region. With her signature blend of emotional honesty and genre-defying sound, the tour promises unforgettable performances in every city.

Mitski is an American singer-songwriter. – PIC BY LEXIE ALLEY