Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today By Lavinia Louis lavinia@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) denied there was any form of “interference from a VIP” during the 27th Malaysian Film Festival held last Saturday. Its director-general Datuk Kamil Othman instead said the programme went on as per the original plan. Finas was the organiser of the awards event. Kamil said he had, after going through the line-up of performances on Friday night, wanted Najwa Mahiaddin to perform second-last, followed by Amy Search to show the film industry had evolved to a brighter future.  “It was a last-minute decision because I only got to see the sequence of performances on the eve. Then I saw the full-dress rehearsal and I thought Najwa’s performance had a gothic feel, so I wanted her performance to be second-last followed by Amy Search ... where the film industry is moving from darkness to a brighter side,” he said. “However...

As published in Malay Mail today HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol SHE put on a mesmerising performance that awed the audience. Her rendition of the classic hit Seri Mersing was unorthodox compared to versions by Saloma, Datuk Sharifah Aini and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza. But one cannot imagine the agony and despair Najwa Mahiaddin went through at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival, which was organised by National Film Development Corporation (Finas) last Saturday. And one would not fault her if she had shed a tear or two when she was not allowed to perform at the eleventh hour. In fact, the term eleventh hour is an understatement for the host, Nabil Ahmad, was just about to invite her on stage when he received orders to cut for a commercial break. Nabil, a comedian, could not hide his expression as he was confused by the situation. After the commercial break, Najwa was nowhere to be seen. Backstage, her representatives had a tough time understanding why sh...

As published in Malay Mail today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — It was a night of mixed emotions for many at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival on Saturday. It was also a night that almost courted controversy after Najwa Mahiaddin, daughter of former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had her show ‘cancelled’ only to be later reintroduced as the final act of the night, aired live on television. Najwa, had after the show, tweeted: “Thank you for all your support. Terima kasih kpd pihak Finas krn akhirnya membenarkan saya membuat persembahan. #FFM27”. The “confusion” left insiders fuming. They labelled it “unnecessary interference by outsiders” as Najwa’s rendition of classic hit Seri Mersing was pre-approved by organiser National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas). “Host Nabil (Ahmad) had almost introduced Najwa on stage to perform in the second segment but the show suddenly went into a commercial break and Najwa didn’t perform a...

As published in Malay Mail today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — Most would have spent the night partying hard, but Liew Seng Tat just wanted to make another movie. Liew was named best director at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday night. His movie, Lelaki Harapan Dunia, bagged the main awards of the night — Best Film and Best Original Story while the film’s young star Rykarl Iskandar was named Best Child Actor. “I celebrated but not hard enough to get a hangover,” Liew said in jest. “I’m inspired. Winning four awards, including best director, got me thinking of my next project. It’s not about trying to make a statement or worry about winning awards but it’s just going back to the basics of making good movies and I just want to do that.” He admitted he was disturbed by allegations made by certain quarters, including industry players, that the movie insulted Malays and Islam after it hit cinemas on Nov 27 las...