Latest news with #Syafiq
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Syafiq Yusof: There's no No.1 or 2, we're both up there
KUALA LUMPUR: Blood Brothers: Bara Naga director Syafiq Yusof has no problem if his blockbuster movie gets "dethroned" by animated science-fiction adventure Ejen Ali The Movie 2, which has collected RM55.1 million at the box office. In a news report yesterday, Syafiq said that he was "okay" with Ejen Ali The Movie 2 overtaking Blood Brothers in terms of ticket sales. "I'd welcome this. It's a sign that local films are doing really good," he said. "There's no Number 1 or 2 when it comes to movies, what is important is that we're both up there." Syafiq, the son of filmmaker Datuk Yusof Haslam and younger brother of actor and director Syamsul Yusof, said that it was always good to see all local movies do well at the box office, as this proved to all viewers that local movies were world class. Syamsul's Mat Kilau which was screened in 2022 is the country's top selling movie with RM97.4 million box office sales.
New Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family [WATCH]
DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses." Previous Next
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family
DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film. Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas". Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers". BABY We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day. Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me," EXCEL Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps. "While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it. "After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film. "I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest." ACTION Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker. "I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them." Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though. "As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'. "I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five." BODY Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy. "You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries". He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets. "'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew." SHORTS Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in. "I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making." Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies. "What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'". CLUB When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club". He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother. Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"? "He is serious at work, but a loving father." HOLIDAYS Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays. "Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career." Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added. "Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him." SPM Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM. "While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips." HAPPY Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations. "My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want." Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father. "It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary." SAM Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites. "He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,. "Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision." ORIGINAL Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well". "I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover". Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial". "My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series. "My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses."
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Time for more Malaysian films to be screened abroad
SYAFIQ Yusof has praised his father, Datuk Yusof Haslam, for his persistent efforts to screen their film, 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga', in Southeast Asian countries. According to the 33-year-old filmmaker, it is high time for Malaysian films to reach broader regional audiences and move beyond traditional markets like Singapore and Brunei. "If we look at the film market in Malaysia, we operate an open market concept, allowing films from any country to enter, particularly those from Thailand and Indonesia," Syafiq told Harian Metro. "However, gaining entry for our films into other countries' markets can be different. What's important is that our local artistic work has been successful in Malaysia, and I am grateful for that. It is the success of this film that has given us the confidence to take 'Blood Brothers' abroad to several Southeast Asian countries," he added. Syafiq believes there is nothing wrong with attempting to introduce Malaysian films to foreign markets, regardless of the outcome. He said that the decision taken by Skop Productions, his father's company, is the correct one. The film, co-directed by Syafiq and Abhilash Chandra, premiered in Cambodian cinemas on May 27. It will then be released in Thailand in June, followed by Vietnam and Indonesia. "My hope is that this film will continue to be well-received by international audiences," he said. Beyond its Malaysian release, 'Blood Brothers' is also being screened in Singapore and Brunei.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga' gets novelised
KUALA LUMPUR: Skop Productions, in collaboration with WhiteCoat Group, has transformed its cinematic blockbuster, Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, into a novel. Datuk Yusof Haslam, founder and head of the film production house, stated that this move wasn't new for him, recalling that his popular 1990s movie Sembilu was also novelised. "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, directed by my son Syafiq and his friend Abhilash Chandra, makes history by transitioning from a film to a novel," said Yusof at the novel's launch at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, last Sunday. "Just like when Sembilu was screened, we turned it into a novel, and as far as I remember, about 30,000 copies of that novel were produced." Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, which premiered on April 10, has earned RM62 million in 20 days, making it one of the country's top-selling films. Yusof explained that novelising Blood Brothers was a good idea, as not everyone enjoys watching films. He extended his gratitude to authors Dr. Anwar Fazal and Amshida Ahmad Rani for "doing a great job." "Dr. Anwar is my nephew and he is also a songwriter for Syafiq's films," he added. Syafiq expressed his hope that the novel would be well-received by readers, adding, "Congratulations Dr. Anwar, I hope this novel will be a great success." Anwar and Amshida completed the novel in two weeks.
