03/10/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | OCT 3, 2026

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Local film, big stage o The Fox King selected as Malaysia’s official entry for Oscars

L OCAL film The Fox King (Semusim Lara) has been selected as Malaysia’s official entry for consideration in the International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, US, on March 14 next year. The National Film Development Corp Malaysia (Finas) said the film, written and directed by Woo Ming Jin, was selected by the Finas Film Selection Committee based on the eligibility criteria set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “The Fox King tells the story of twin

the festival’s Centrepiece programme. The film subsequently screened at several international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, Jakarta Film Week, Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, Beijing International Film Festival, Far East Film Festival in Udine and San Francisco International Film Festival. The Fox King began screening in Malaysian cinemas on Sept 17. Finas also extended its congratulations to Woo and the entire cast and production team on the film’s selection.

brothers Ali and Amir, who grew up without their mother, and how the arrival of Lara, a new English teacher, changes their lives and relationship,” Finas said in a recent statement. The Malaysian-Indonesian co-production stars Idan Aedan, Hadi Putra and Dian Sastrowardoyo in the lead roles, reported Bernama. The film also received support from the Creative Content Fund, an initiative of the Communications Ministry, through Finas. The Fox King made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept 9, 2025, as part of

Founded in Puchong in 2011, Zeppo marks 15 years of bringing Malaysian dancers together.

The Fox King tells the story of twin brothers Ali and Amir. – IMDBPIC

(From left) Yeo, Faris, Yeoh and Fadlun celebrate

Zeppo’s next international outing at Kreasi .

Stepping up for Seoul: Zeppo Youngsterz puts Malaysia in motion

ZEPPO Youngsterz gave audiences a chance to meet the personalities behind the crew at Kreasi: CONCERT REVIEW

dancing. So finally to get to work with him is really great fun.” S upport beyond the stage Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud attended the showcase along with the South Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Yeo Seung-bae and fellow embassy representatives to support the team ahead of Haru. The evening also included a presentation of Malaysian jackets and flags to the dancers. According to the organisers, Zeppo will collaborate with South Korea’s 1Million Dance Studio on Oct 29, in conjunction with the opening of the Korean Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia. Zeppo manager Faiz Ainaa also credited Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh with supporting Zeppo from its beginnings, including assistance and allocations for its initiatives and events. Speaking to theSun , Yeoh praised the collective’s consistency and independence in financing its international ambitions. “When we first supported them, they were not even asking for money. They were doing self fundraising to send themselves to competitions in the US and all that,” said Yeoh. She called for greater recognition of young people pursuing the arts. “For a very long time, Malaysia has always focused on academic excellence, straight As, those who are very bright in their studies. But we don’t really celebrate culture and arts.” Young artistes, she added, needed opportunities to show their abilities. For the dancers heading to Seoul, her advice was to have confidence in what they could offer. “They already have the talent. All they need to go with is the confidence that they really represent the best of Malaysia,” she said.

while original Zeppo members returned for the evening, including some who had stepped away from dancing or competing. Working together The Haru entry was directed and choreographed by Zeppo founder Faris and Spanish choreographer Larkin Poynton Olabarria, drawing on their friendship and shared experiences of difficult periods. Almost all its movement involves partnering, requiring dancers to depend on one another for weight, movement and emotional connection. “What’s so special about this piece is that it’s impossible without another person,” Poynton said. The pair had spent almost two years developing a duet for the Finnish National Ballet, and their experience with partner work informed the competition creation. Faris said working with someone the dancers had long admired gave the team added motivation. “So I think we’re going to do our best because Larkin is actually our big idol since we started

own choreography, with themes ranging from heartbreak to the expectations they place on themselves. Adib Jamarizam presented Sayonara , while Tessa’s September came with an introduction aimed at LRT commuters. Cheeken’s You’re Just A Kid incorporated spoken dialogue about art, love and the limits of experience. Rudi Bagan brought a playful premise inspired by a wish to live like an orange cat, with days devoted to play, food and affection. His performance also incorporated a clothes hanger. Gigi and Amirul brought breaking into a duet that, according to their introduction, had been prepared in just an hour. Jonathan Loo shared choreography he held close after spending much of the year performing competition pieces. Akidrulez’s Justin Bieber-inspired performance featured One Less Lonely Girl and enthusiastic support from fellow crew members. Luanne Lee’s piece considered her relationship with dance, her promises to keep growing and the fear of falling short. Faris Azim also performed,

Ű BY AMEEN HAZIZI lifestyle@thesundaily.com

ZEPPO Youngsterz gave audiences a chance to meet the personalities behind the crew at Kreasi: Seoul in Motion 2026 , before bringing them together for a preview of their latest competition piece. Held at Auditorium DBKL, the showcase featured solos and duets exploring relationships, identity and the dancers’ experiences, culminating in the work they will take to the Haru Dance Competition taking place on Oct 17 in Seoul, South Korea. The evening also reunited original members with a younger generation preparing to represent Malaysia abroad. Individual voices Kreasi , meaning creation, allowed the performers to introduce themselves through their

Veteran members return alongside younger dancers for Faris’s showcase, celebrating the people who have helped build Zeppo.

Alvinson (centre) commands the stage with a showstopping set full of energy and attitude. – HANDOUT PICS