Latest news with #PrimeworksStudios
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' Malaysia's highest-grossing animated film of all time
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular animated film Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has continued its historic run, achieving a collection of RM55.1 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time in Malaysian cinemas. In a press statement released yesterday, the movie, a collaboration between WAU Animation and Primeworks Studios, not only surpassed all local and international animated films but also outperformed several Hollywood and Asian blockbusters screened over the past two months. "It's a testament to the audience's confidence and extraordinary support for animated scripts based on local identity and spirit," said the film's director, Usamah Zaid Yasin. He added: "This success is the result of the hard work of the creative team and the strong support from the animation's loyal fans since day one. This isn't just WAU Animation's success; it belongs to all the agents who believe in and stand with us." "I truly appreciate the dedication of the WAU Animation team, who worked tirelessly, and Primeworks Studios, who were committed to promoting this film with fresh and bold ideas, ensuring it remains the audience's choice. "Of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been the backbone and main source of inspiration since day one," he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Super-hit movie Ejen Ali 2 achieves the highest box office income for local and international animated films in Malaysia
With a gross of RM55.1 million, Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2) has now officially been crowned as the highest grossing animated film in the history of Malaysian cinema, surpassing all local and international animated works that have ever been screened. Even more impressive, EATM2 has now surpassed the grossing of blockbuster films from Hollywood and Asia over the past two months. This is a clear testament to the confidence and extraordinary support of Malaysian audiences for animated films that are based on local identity and spirit. 'This success does not belong to WAU Animation alone but to all the agents who believed in and stood by us from the beginning. "I truly appreciate the dedication of the entire WAU Animation team who have poured their energy and creativity into making this film a success. "Thank you also to our production partner, Primeworks Studios, who have given their full commitment in promoting this film, and have always come up with fresh and bold new ideas to ensure that EATM2 continues to be the audience's choice. "And of course, the highest appreciation goes to the fans who have been our backbone and main source of inspiration since day one,' said Usamah Zaid Yasin, director of the EATM2 film. On the other hand, Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios, paid tribute to all those who worked on the project and said every one individual involved in the project deserve a pat on their back. 'This achievement is the result of our shared cooperation, trust and passion. We hope that the audience will continue to support EATM2 and help us reach our next collection target of RM60 million. "Only with your strong support can we realize our dream of producing the next Ejen Ali script, for the development of the local creative industry that will make Malaysia proud,' said Nini. From an animated series on television to the silver screen, Ejen Ali has grown into a mature and influential franchise. This second film not only strengthens the brand, but also reflects the evolution of local animated storytelling that is bolder, more dimensional and touches the hearts of various audiences. For the record, the film is still showing in cinemas nationwide. About Ejen Ali the Movie 2 Set in the futuristic city of Cyberaya, 'Ejen Ali the Movie 2' follows a young boy who is accidentally recruited as a secret agent by the Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA) intelligence agency. Ejen Ali is eager to prove himself in Project Satria, MATA's latest Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted armored suit. As Ali struggles with his new responsibility to master Satria, he must accept MATA's decision to give his friend (and rival) Alicia the next holder of the supercomputer device, IRIS. Meanwhile, the hacker Neonimus resurfaces to wreak havoc on MATA, signaling a larger conspiracy in Cyberaya. Since its premiere on Malaysian television channel TV3 in 2016, 'Ejen Ali' has been broadcast and streamed in over 65 countries across South-East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and North America. The first two seasons of the series were followed by 'Ejen Ali The Movie' in November 2019, which grossed an impressive RM30 million (USD8 million) in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films in Malaysia to date. The latest installment, 'Ejen Ali Season 3', also holds the title of being the first Malaysian animated intellectual property to be co-produced with Disney+ Hotstar South-East Asia, and will first launch exclusively on the streaming service in June 2022.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian movie Ejen Ali 2 is now raising the bar for animation movies in South-East Asia; rakes in more than RM52mil after just three weeks
After its stupendous success of its TV series and also first movie, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2: Misi Satria (EATM2)' is dominating the local films charts once again. And it has a whopping RM52 million to show for its success. And not only it is ruling the roost in Malaysia, it is also tops in Brunei and also having a good run in Singapore and will debut in Indonesia on June 27. The film may also make its way to other South-East Asian countries and also has found dates to be shown in Australia and Canada. The sequel to the popular franchise premiered three weeks ago, and surpassed the numbers milestone last week. The surge in earnings highlights increasing audience confidence in homegrown animation and strengthens the industry's prospects for regional and international expansion. Nini Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Television Network and Primeworks Studios said, 'This success truly shows that local animation can create a big impact when it receives strong support from the audience. "More than just box office collections, EATM2's achievements prove confidence in the quality of Malaysian-made content and give us new impetus to continue investing in the local animation industry and expand Ejen Ali's wings internationally with selected strategic partners.' "The opening of this new screening is an important step in bringing Malaysian animation to the regional stage, and is hoped to open up new business opportunities in the licensing and merchandising sector through the sale of Ejen Ali branded products such as clothing, school supplies, games and so on. "The film's performance demonstrates the growing recognition and affection for local animation among audiences, paving the way for Malaysian animation to expand and reach new heights," added Nini. Since its premiere in on May 22, the movie has garnered an overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of viewers, including families, teenagers, and dedicated fans of the franchise. In recent tv interview, audiences have consistently lauded its world-class technical production quality, moving storyline, and exhilarating cinematic experience, prompting many to watch it multiple times. According to film director Usamah Zaid Yasin, this remarkable success is a testament to the extraordinary support from fans and their faith in local productions. "I'm very grateful that this movie has received such an incredible response from audiences. I'm also deeply thankful to everyone at Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation who have worked tirelessly to promote this film," he said. For the record, it has been a fantastic outing for Primework Studios this year. This is already the local outfit's second big outing this year after 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga'. "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga" is an action movie produced by Skop Productions in collaboration with Primeworks Studios. The film premiered in cinemas across the country on April 10, 2025. It stars Sharnaaz Ahmad, Syafiq Kyle, Shukri Yahaya, and Wan Hanafi Su, among others. The movie's trailer, which showcases intense action sequences and a drama about brotherhood, has garnered significant attention on social media. The film also features the direction of Syafiq Yusof and Abhilash Chandra. It has already collected close to RM70 million in ticket sales, and by far the leader in the box-office charts this year, ensuring a double victory for Primeworks Studio.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 8TV's Project Love Fund channels nearly RM200k to 24 underprivileged Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Chua Xiu Yi, 11, is finally able to jump for joy. Her treatment for the rare genetic disorder, Prader-Willi Syndrome, which affects only 1 in 15,000 people globally, is now under control. Her mother, Phoon Suet Chen, 49, explained that Xiu Yi, the youngest of her three children, was diagnosed with the illness at the age of two and required growth hormone treatment. "She used to be a very weak baby, and as she grew bigger, she began to feel hungry very often," said Phoon, whose family hails from Klang. Specialists at the University Malaya Medical Centre treated Xiu Yi two years ago, leading to a "considerable improvement" in her condition. "Xiu Yi also suffered from heart and lung problems as a result of her disorder," Phoon added. "The medicine gradually worked for her, and today she keeps herself focused and fit with Zumba lessons, which she absolutely loves." Meanwhile, Nor Alia Abdullah, 39, who assists her husband in selling cotton candy in the city, has been patiently caring for her four children, all born with heart disease. Her children — Adam Ali, 12, Salwa Ali, 9, Alia Damia, 6, and Husna, 2 — are now on the mend, having received the best medical care for their conditions. "Adam even underwent surgery at Gleneagles Hospital last year; he's a lot fitter and more energetic today," said Nor Alia, whose husband also suffers from cataracts. "Salwa will have surgery next month, and I'm optimistic it will do her good." Xiu Yi and Nor Alia's children are among 24 families who have benefited from the second season of 8TV Jasmine Project Love Season 2, which recently concluded its heartwarming journey. This initiative brings together Malaysians in need of medical help with various charitable organisations. It highlights the plight of the less fortunate, and its weekly human interest stories have moved viewers nationwide since last year. Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios Chief Executive Officer, Nini Yusof, said that Jasmine Project Love Season 2 had once again highlighted the incredible strength of community support. She noted that the 8TV Project Love Fund, an initiative under the Media Prima-NSTP Humanitarian Fund, successfully garnered nearly RM200,000 in public donations, which went directly to aid the 24 families in need. "This provided much-needed relief to many families featured in the programme, with each beneficiary receiving RM8,000 for a total disbursement of RM192,000," Nini announced at a special luncheon held today at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Bangsar By IHG, marking the conclusion of the programme's second season. Nini further commented, "This popular documentary continues to connect with a broad audience, including younger Malaysians, underscoring the timeless power of storytelling across generations. As in the first season, our action-oriented co-hosts once again journeyed across the country to reveal deeply human stories reflecting the complexities of everyday life." She mentioned that the co-hosts — Owen Yap, Chan Wei Wei, Desmond Tey, Tan Chia Yong, Ong Ching Yee, Jan Chin, Soh Chin Chuan, and Charlotte Seow — expanded the programme's reach beyond the Klang Valley, visiting communities in Negri Sembilan, Perak, and Melaka. "From children battling rare diseases to families facing hardships, the programme highlighted real stories, inspiring empathy and support amongst viewers," she said. The luncheon was also attended by Media Prima Berhad Group Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid; Media Prima Berhad Group Managing Director, Rafiq Razali; Media Prima Berhad Group Chief Financial Officer, Rosli Sabarudin; and Big Tree and Media Prima Omnia Chief Operating Officer, Agency Solutions, Stephanie Wong. Other distinguished guests included Media Prima Television Networks Director, Sales Partnership, Crystal Lee; 8TV Film and Content Distribution Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Foo; Jasmine Food Chief Financial Officer, Alan Kwong; and Kawan Food Senior Marketing Manager, Aster Tan. Syed Hussian presented certificates to several charitable organisations that played a vital role in supporting the programme's outreach. These included the National Kidney Foundation Malaysia, Cleft Lips and Palate Association of Malaysia, Suriana Welfare Society Malaysia, Beacon Life Training Centre, National Stroke Association of Malaysia, Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Malaysia, Kelab Kebun Komuniti Anak Istimewa P3KU, Persatuan Kebajikan Talian Hayat Kehidupan Malaysia, Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia, and Persatuan Amal Indah. "We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response to 8TV Jasmine Project Love," Nini said. "This programme not only shares heartfelt and inspiring stories but also fosters empathy and awareness amongst viewers about the real challenges faced by families in need. "Our sincere thanks go to Jasmine Food as the main sponsor and Kawan Food as co-sponsor for believing in our mission. "We hope this programme will continue to spark greater support and compassion within our community." Kwong concluded, "We are honoured to continue this meaningful collaboration with 8TV, which witnesses the positive impact on so many families. When businesses, organisations, and communities work together, we can achieve greater impact in the long term."
New Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' dominates box office with RM50.7mil collection
KUALA LUMPUR: 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' has solidified its position as Malaysia's top local animated film, now boasting an impressive RM50.7 million at the box office after just 18 days in cinemas. This outstanding achievement follows its record-breaking success last week when it surpassed the RM40 million mark. The film's performance demonstrates the growing recognition and affection for local animation among audiences, paving the way for Malaysian animation to expand and reach new heights. Since its premiere on 22 May, the movie has garnered an overwhelming response from a broad spectrum of viewers, including families, teenagers, and dedicated fans of the franchise. Audiences have consistently lauded its world-class technical production quality, moving storyline, and exhilarating cinematic experience, prompting many to watch it multiple times. According to film director Usamah Zaid Yasin, this remarkable success is a testament to the extraordinary support from fans and their faith in local productions. "Alhamdulillah, I'm grateful that this movie has received such an incredible response from audiences. I'm also deeply thankful to everyone at Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation who have worked tirelessly to promote this film," he said. Beyond its success in Malaysia and Brunei, 'Ejen Ali The Movie 2' also launched in the Singaporean market on June 5 and is set to premiere in Indonesia on June 27. These new market entries represent a significant stride in bringing Malaysian animation to a regional audience. They are also expected to generate new business opportunities in licensing and merchandising, through the sale of branded 'Ejen Ali' products such as clothing, school supplies, and toys. The film is currently still showing in cinemas nationwide.
