Finas to spotlight Malaysian cinema in Beijing with mini film fest this year

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 — The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is planning to host a mini film festival in Beijing, China this year, its chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said today.
Hans said the festival is expected to feature between 10 and 15 Malaysian films.
Finas, he said, is currently discussing the matter with its counterparts and other relevant stakeholders in China.
Hans made the announcement at the premiere of Chinese film, Pirate Queen: Zheng Yi Sao, which claims to be the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-generated film.
'Many AI creators in Malaysia and around the region have worked in this film.
'By 2030, AI is expected to increase South-east Asia's GDP by USD$1 trillion (RM4.4 trillion) and it is something that Malaysia should look at as the frontrunner of AI around the world,' he said.
Citing the blockbuster success of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, Hans congratulated veteran producer and director Datuk Yusof Haslam and his team and said that the film's remarkable box office run proved that the standards of Malaysian movies have increased.
Directed by Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra, the action-packed film grossed RM9.2 million within just two days of screening nationwide.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Barnama

an hour ago

• Barnama

Food Diplomacy Charms Cambodians Ahead Of Visit Malaysia 2026

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (left) and Cambodia Tourism Minister Huot Hak at the food fest. Photo credit: Bernama The launching of 'Malaysia Food and Culture Fest 2025' in Phnom Penh on Saturday. Photo credit: Bernama By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, June 22 (Bernama) - - Malaysia added another flavour to its ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign by bringing the best of its diverse cuisines to the Cambodian capital on Saturday. Tourism Malaysia organised a special gastronomic fair to promote the country's culinary heritage by hosting the 'Malaysia Food and Culture Fest 2025' in the rain-soaked afternoon of Phnom Penh's monsoon season. bootstrap slideshow Held at the newly designated weekend walk-street along the popular riverside, the symbolic two-day food fair captivated the cosmopolitan Phnom Penh, which itself is known for its vibrant mosaic of international cuisines peddled by foreigners residing in the capital. In his welcoming address at the event, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn said the nation's multi-ethnic food culture is paramount in building Malaysian identity and unity. 'Malaysia has a beautiful mix of people and ethnic groups, from festivals, tradition, languages and customs, and all are living together as a family. 'This spirit of multiculturalism is something we share with Cambodia. This food fest is a showcase of Malaysia's heart and soul,' Shaharuddin said. Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is leading a Malaysian delegation to Cambodia, from June 18 to 22 June 2025, to ramp up travel ties and strengthen economic momentum ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. Cambodia Tourism Minister Huot Hak was the special guest at the event. Some 30 Malaysian food and beverage operators and businesses residing in Phnom Penh participated in the colourful event.

Hype Malaysia

4 hours ago

• Hype Malaysia

From Hotel Stripes KL To Four Points By Sheraton: New Dining Promos To Check Out In KL!

If you're a foodie and always on a lookout for something new, this week brings a fresh lineup of exciting new promos from some of KL's best restaurants and bars! Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a casual catch-up with friends, or a solo foodie adventure, these new menus are worth adding to checking out. This week, we're bringing you picks from some of KL's best hotels and a new dining spot featuring a familiar face from across the causeway! Here are some the best new dining promos to explore in KL this month: Brasserie25 @ Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur Brasserie25 turned up the heat and reimagined your favourite grill night with bold new flavours and irresistible vibes. The grill is blazing, the scent is mouthwatering, and the flavours unforgettable. The chefs fire up the grill with juicy koobideh, alongside an array of other expertly grilled meats and tempting bites. Pair it all with freshly baked Sangak bread, warm from the oven and made to share! Whether you're here to unwind after hours or gather with friends for a lively night out, You Chill & We Grill brings the ultimate barbecue experience to the heart of the city. Tuck into flame-kissed favourites and smoky delights, all served with a side of good vibes. Choose to dine alfresco under the city lights on our terrace, or get cosy indoors – the fire's always going, and the flavours never stop. It's all about good food, great company, and unforgettable moments. Opening Hours: 6.30pm – 10pm (Fridays & Saturdays) For reservations or enquiry, please contact enquiry@ or WhatsApp +60 18 623 0129 The RC Bar @ The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Step away from the expected and into a world delightfully askew. The RC Bar invites you to escape the ordinary and wander into a world of whimsical refreshment – where Gin cocktails are curious, the air is delightfully peculiar, and every hour is happy. Join in for a most splendid Ritzy Happy Hour, where curious cocktails abound – think refreshing Hendrick's Gin libations kissed by rose and cucumber, best enjoyed with spirited conversations and where the mood is light. For an exclusive indulgence, The RC Bar invites you to partake in their lavish One-For-One offer on all Hendrick's Gin cocktails. Opening Hours: 5pm – 8pm (Daily) For more information and reservations, please WhatsApp/call +60 18 623 0036 or email dining@ The Mesh @ Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur A taste of Thailand is on the horizon, landing at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, City Centre this June 21, 2025. The hallmark restaurant of the hotel, The Mesh, is set to unfold its first culinary collaboration beyond borders with two esteemed chefs from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, one of the extraordinary brands under the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. Available only from 21st – 30th June 2025, The Mesh x Siam Road buffet experience will debut authentic flavours of the streets of Siam weaved with Malaysian nuances. Designed as a sensory dining experience, The Mesh x Siam Road offers an immersive spread complete with signature creations, bold flavour profiles, and an atmosphere that transports guests straight to the streets of Siam. From Thai classics like som tam, pad Thai, and green curry to local favourites namely lemak cili api, kerabu varieties, and sup tulang rawan, the buffet spread introduces a medley of flavourful dishes telling its own story of heritage, passion, and regional pride. Availability: 21st – 30th June 2025 21st – 30th June 2025 Opening Hours: 6.30pm – 10pm (Mondays – Sundays); 12.30pm – 3pm (Saturdays – Sundays) For menu and reservations, visit or contact +603 2706 9099 / Lad & Dad @ Wisma Cosway After dipping their toes into the Malaysian market in 2024, Singapore's Lad & Dad is back in Kuala Lumpur with a bright and casual fish and chip shop in Wisma Cosway. Lad & Dad began in Singapore in 2015, when founder Keith Koh returned from England after studying and working there, with the mission of starting a solid, dependable and affordable fish and chip option in his homeland. The Dad was initially very sceptical about the idea, but the Lad gradually won him over, so much so that the dad eventually got behind the business. Together, they researched and developed their signature dishes, evolving from humble beginnings at a hawker centre to now operating three restaurants. Lad & Dad has earned the title of 'Singapore's Best Fish & Chips', as recognised by Michelin chefs and local media, serving customers from all walks of life. Following numerous fan requests, they returned in December 2024 for a pop-up collaboration with Basic Wine Store. This year, answering to customers' demands once more, Lad & Dad is back—this time for good. The 40-seater space on the ground floor of Kuala Lumpur's Wisma Cosway is bright and cheery, a brilliant addition to the buzz and community of the OG building in the heart of the city. Prices for a fish and chip set with a fillet averaging 150g start at RM29.90. Koh also hopes to offer monthly dinner specials in the near future. Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 8pm (Monday to Saturday) BONUS: Cloud 9 CrispyKrunch When you're feeling down, let Cloud 9 lift you up with its new exciting twist! The all-new Cloud 9 CrispyKrunch is here to take snack lovers on a joyful ride, just like a hot air balloon lifting your spirits sky-high. Bursting with bold textures and indulgent flavours, Cloud 9 CrispyKrunch is the perfect pick-me-up for any moment. Cloud 9 CrispyKrunch combines the best of both worlds: Crispy Pretzel and Crunchy Cookie crumb and Hazelnut – delivering a texture experience that is both satisfying and crave-worthy. Whether you're enjoying a quick treat or need a lift-me-up during your day, CrispyKrunch is your ideal go-to snack. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0

The Star

4 hours ago

• The Star

C-drama star Li Yitong and top singer-actor Liu Yuning lead the way in China's latest fantasy offering in 'A Dream Within A Dream'

Photo Image: Courtesy of iQIYI The summer heat is back and premiering on June 26 in IQIYI, is the historical romantic comedy 'A Dream Within A Dream', starring top television stars Li Yitong and Liu Yuning. The streaming giant's latest and much-anticipated series promises an entertaining twist on the traditional costume drama genre by uniquely blending modern humour, interactive plot mechanics, and self-aware storytelling. Produced by Linmon Pictures and co-produced by iQIYI, directed by Guo Hu, with screenplay by Ren Zhuangliu and Xia Luote, 'A Dream Within A Dream' follows the enchanting story of Song Xiaoyu (Li Yitong), a struggling actress, and Nan Heng (Liu Yuning), a cold-hearted ruler, who unexpectedly meet when she is transported into the fictional world of her own script. Once inside her script, Song Xiaoyu transforms into Song Yimeng, a doomed character within the story. Every attempt she makes to alter her scripted fate results in bizarre, predetermined deaths. To break free, she must collaborate closely with Nan Heng, confronting unexpected dangers and unraveling the deeper mysteries of the script's world. 'A Dream Within A Dream' also innovates by blending contemporary humour with popular tropes of historical romance dramas, presenting a fresh, comedic narrative style. Highlights teased in trailers, including intense wedding showdown scenes, a dramatic scene of choosing whom to save when two characters simultaneously fall from a city wall, and visually striking slow-motion kiss scenes, have already sparked considerable anticipation among viewers. The series also highlights how an ordinary girl and a cold-hearted ruler overcome the chains of fate, rewriting their story and crafting a romantic tale filled with laughter and tears. About Liu Yuning Liu Yuning, 35, is a Chinese singer, actor, and the lead singer of Modern Brothers. In 2018, Liu rose to stardom by his covers on platforms YY's Live Streaming and Douyin. Forbes China also listed Liu on their 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2019. His debut album won the "Media Recommended Album" award at the 2020 Chinese Top Ten Music Awards, and his second extended play "Listen•Ning" (2020–21) won the Most Popular EP award in 2021 Chinese Top Ten Music Awards. Outside of music, Liu also gained recognition as an actor through his roles in television series such as "A Journey to Love in 2023" and "The Prisoner of Beauty" in also this year. Many of his fans are excited of him acting alongside Li Yitong, among the leading tv actresses in China, in 'A Dream Within A Dream'. About Li Yitong Li Yitong is a Chinese actress and singer. She is best known for her roles as Wan Mei, an assassin in the 2018 Chinese television series "Bloody Romance" and as Huang Rong in 2017 TV series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", one of the most loved tv series of all-time in East Asia. It was also the series that made Li Yitong a household name in China. She also won many fans when she acted as Lu Wenxi (Abao) in the 2019 Chinese television series Royal Nirvana and Fu Rou in the 2021 Chinese television series Court Lady, another top series in China. She is also a big star for iQiYI having acted in many of its top C-dramas including "The Knockout", "Warm on a Cold Night", "Hi Producer" and "Spy Game".