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Articles by Aref Omar
Film odyssey with Taiping roots
FROM a young age, independent filmmaker and Raintown Film Festival founder Jacky Yeap’s creative journey was one of passion and purpose. Author(s): By Aref Omar Copyright: NSTP Published on: 9 September 2025 Publication: New Straits Times RM21.60 Contact us for more information on License Usage. License Usage Additional fees Historical Fee RM0.00 (Includes 8% SST) RM75.60
#SHOWBIZ: Raintown Film Festival: From Taiping with love
FROM a young age, independent filmmaker and Raintown Film Festival founder Jacky Yeap's creative journey was one of passion and purpose. It began not with a fancy camera, but with a simple Nokia phone. "When I was in secondary school, I used my Nokia handphone to shoot a video," Yeap tells the 'New Straits Times' during a recent interview on a rainy day in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. "I showed my friends.
#SHOWBIZ: 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' rumbles, but doesn't quite roar
SO, the dinosaurs are back. Again. And if you're anything like me, your inner child (or just the part of you that still secretly wishes for a pet Velociraptor) probably did a little happy dance when 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' first splashed across the screens. Directed by the visually astute Gareth Edwards, whose previous works have always promised a cinematic spectacle, this latest entry into the prehistoric monster mash aimed to, well, re-birth the magic. Did it succeed?
Battle royale galore for killer doll sequel
THE metallic gleam of our favourite killer doll is back, and this time, M3GAN isn’t just dancing her way into our nightmares; she’s stepping onto a much, much bigger stage.
#SHOWBIZ: 'M3GAN 2.0' review: Killer doll sequel shifts to sci-fi action comedy
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#SHOWBIZ: Vampire thrills with a slow bite
AMERICAN filmmaker Robert Eggers is back with a remake of the 1922 silent German Expressionist vampire film 'Nosferatu'. This isn't your sparkly vampire romance but a gothic visual gothic feast that's a mesmerising descent into the shadowy depths of pure, unadulterated dread. And it just might leave some viewers sleeping with the lights on. Eggers, that master of atmospheric unease, has crafted a film that's less a jump-scare marathon and more a slow, creeping chill that seeps into your bones.
#SHOWBIZ: CIMB celebrates unity, culture, and resilience of young talent
IN conjunction with its 100-year anniversary, CIMB celebrates a century of positive impact in the community, advocating for inclusion, and empowering customers and society through its 'Kita Bagi Jadi' concert which will be held on Nov 24 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's Plenary Hall. CIMB's concert is an inspiring social movement designed to bring Malaysians together through music, culture, and the arts.
CIMB celebrates unity, culture, and resilience of young talent
IN conjunction with its 100-year anniversary, CIMB celebrates a century of positive impact in the community, advocating for inclusion, and empowering customers and society through its ‘Kita Bagi Jadi’ concert which will be held on Nov 24 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s Plenary Hall. Author(s): By Aref Omar Copyright: NSTP Published on: 22 November 2024 Publication: New Straits Times Contact us for more information on License Usage. License Usage Additional fees (Includes 8% SST) RM75.60
#SHOWBIZ: Tragic world of Alex Cross
JAMES Patterson's Alex Cross novels have enthralled readers for decades, and Prime Video's new adaptation, 'Cross', ambitiously brings the beloved detective to the small screen. Helmed by creator Ben Watkins and anchored by lead actor Aldis Hodge's towering performance, the eight-episode series dives into the world of Alex Cross, a Washington DC detective and forensic psychologist grappling with personal loss and professional challenges.
#SHOWBIZ: Arangetram: A journey of passion and devotion
A FLICK of the wrist, a glance of the eye, and a flow of movements steeped in elegance — Bharatanatyam, one of India's oldest classical dance forms, enchants its audiences with every step. At the heart of this art form lies the arangetram, a powerful rite of passage and debut solo performance that marks a dancer's evolution from student to artist.
Rafidah: Establish periodic feedback system to ensure govt allocations properly spent
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has called for the setup of an effective monitoring system to track how government allocations are spent. She said there should also be a periodic feedback mechanism so that potential misappropriation of funds is caught early on. Rafidah, who is a former international, trade and industry minister, said Malaysia currently lacks such a system to prevent misappropriation and corrupt practices.
#SHOWBIZ: Celebration of love for music
HE may be a man of few words on stage, but his music and artistry certainly make up for it, creating a mesmerising, melodic and rhythmic conversation that has carried on for 45 years. Datuk M Nasir's 'M N45ir – Cipta' concert at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, recently was a celebration of his impact on music and his creativity throughout his long career.
#SHOWBIZ: The horror of nostalgia
THE 'Alien' franchise continues with the latest entry titled 'Alien: Romulus'. The viewer is introduced to six young rebels stuck on a grim mining planet managed by the Weyland-Yutani conglomerate who hatch a plan to free themselves of a dismal life of servitude. They sneak off planet in a vessel to go on a scavenger mission in a mysterious derelict space station in outer orbit to obtain the materials needed for their great escape.
#SHOWBIZ: Blood-soaked fun with heart
JUST like the first two 'Deadpool' movies, the latest one kicks off with a bloody balletic brawl set to an off-kilter song choice. It's certainly an 18-and-above sitting, as the cinema classification indicates, and there's plenty of creative ultraviolence, blood spatter, and dismembered limbs flying about to satisfy action and gore junkies. And with a title like 'Deadpool & Wolverine', you get twice the carnage.
#SHOWBIZ: Aural majesty of anime brought to life
FLAMBOYANT costumes and engaging characters set to vibrant environs and dynamic action. Add dramatic storylines to the mix to get a basic description of Japanese animation or anime that has been entertaining fans around the world for decades. Oh, remember the moving theme songs and catchy music that accompany the smorgasbord of titles which proves to be just as important an ingredient to the success of any particular show.
#Showbiz: Sweeping desert epic
FRENCH Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve continues to impress with 'Dune: Part Two'. While 'Part One' was more of a slow introduction to the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) whose family and people are killed by the ruthless Harkonen's on the desert planet of Arrakis, the second instalment sees him seeking revenge with the help of the indigenous Fremen tribe of warriors.
Sweeping desert epic
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#Showbiz: Zack Snyder's epic underdog odyssey
AMERICAN filmmaker Zack Snyder has built a career out of flashy action sequences in epic movies that usually revolve around a ragtag team of characters that have to beat the odds. He first gained the attention of moviegoers with his kinetic remake of the classic zombie movie, 'Dawn of The Dead', in 2004.
#Showbiz: Inspiring the next generation
WITH a music career that spans four solid decades, Datuk Zainalabidin's creative output has always been about societal issues. From the environment to living peacefully and promoting national unity, his songs have remained relevant. No stranger to raising funds for underprivileged children's homes through his concerts, the Johor Baru-born artiste continues to strive to make a difference for the less fortunate youth of the country.
NST Online: Latest Malaysia & World News
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#Showbiz: Air Supply concert leaves fans 'Lost In Love' [NSTTV]
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Australian soft rock duo Air Supply serenaded 4,800 fans during a live concert at the Arena of Stars here, tonight. The popular music act which formed in 1975 performed 14 of its classic songs that included Sweet Dreams, The One That You Love, Every Woman In The World, Even The Nights Are Better, Chances, Goodbye, I Can Wait Forever, Two Less Lonely People In The World, The One That You Love, Making Love Out Of Nothing At All and Lost in Love.
#Showbiz: Concerts should proceed amid Gaza conflict pressure, says Zainalabidin
KUALA LUMPUR: Evergreen entertainer Datuk Zainalabidin Mohamad believes that concerts should be allowed to go on as usual without being coerced by some sectors to be postponed owing to the violence in Gaza. "We should continue with our lives, especially since we are a nation of many races, peoples and religions. "Yes, we should show our solidarity with the Palestinian people. We must continue to pray for them.
#Showbiz: Concerts should proceed amid Gaza conflict pressure, says Zainalabidin
KUALA LUMPUR: Evergreen entertainer Datuk Zainalabidin Mohamad believes that concerts should be allowed to go on as usual without being coerced by some sectors to be postponed owing to the violence in Gaza. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd Click here to read the full article. Source:
Unleashing the power of wishes
THE Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the new fantasy musical animated feature ‘Wish’.
#Showbiz: Unleashing the power of wishes
THE Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the new fantasy musical animated feature 'Wish'. Taking its cue from Pinocchio's classic tune, 'When You Wish Upon A Star', the story revolves around the themes of dreams and wishes. King Magnifico, who has been scarred by war as a child, later establishes the island Kingdom of Rosas with his wife Queen Amaya somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea.
#Showbiz: Celebration of drums with M Nasir at upbeat KL concert
KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary singer-songwriter Datuk M Nasir entertained about 3,000 fans during his drum-centric concert, Gendang Pati, at the Plenary Hall in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here tonight. The 66-year-old multi-award-winning artiste showed no signs of slowing down as he delivered an energetic performance backed by an ensemble of drummers and percussionists that presented a different dimension to his hit songs.
#Showbiz: Artistic touch to spreading awareness of Palestinian issue
MALAYSIANS should not turn a blind eye to the severe atrocities being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza. In an effort to highlight the suffering, hardship and escalating death toll there, the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations (Mapim) has organised a series of events to raise public awareness. Part of its plan is to involve the arts and entertainment industries to help spread the word and cultivate a better understanding on what's happening.
#Showbiz: A mixed bag of marvels
THE sequel to the hit superhero movie 'Captain Marvel' from 2019 is finally out and it features two other super-powered heroines in a team-up that delivers action and comedy in a short runtime. Carol Danvers a.k.a. Captain Marvel has to work with science whiz Monica Rambeau and bubbly teen fan-girl Kamala Khan after an incident in space sees the three switching locations with one another whenever they use their powers.
#Showbiz: Stringing together a melodic journey
HE may just be 19, but Low Zi Yang has already carved out a storied musical career as one of Malaysia's leading young musicians. Equally adept on the piano and violin, the KL-born talent is no stranger to performing in various venues around Asia, North America and Europe.
#Showbiz: 'Syamsul Yusof nothing more than just family acquaintance' - Irenee Deanna
KUALA LUMPUR: Young businesswoman Irenee Deanna, 25, has denied any alleged romantic relationship with film director Syamsul Yusof. Irenee said she was surprised at the circulating rumour among Netizens that she and the famous 39-year-old filmmaker were an item. "I don't have any comment on this but as far as I'm concerned, all I can say is that there's absolutely nothing going on.
#Showbiz: New moving take on heritage
LONG-running local dance company Dua Space Dance Theatre premiered its latest work, Hijauan, at the Greater Bay Dance Festival in Shenzhen, China last month. The new show will be staged at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) in Bandar Utama, Selangor from today until Oct 22. "It's an ongoing exploration of unity, diversity and shared history that is representative of Malaysia," says Dua Space co-founder and Hijauan choreographer Anthony Meh.
Carrying on the legacy of Whitney Houston
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is set to enthral fans of the late Whitney Houston with a tribute concert this Saturday (Oct 14) at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
#Showbiz: Carrying on the legacy of Whitney Houston
THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is set to enthral fans of the late Whitney Houston with a tribute concert this Saturday (Oct 14) at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. And the star performer of Houston's biggest hits, from Run To You and Saving All My Love For You to How Will I Know, will be none other than American singer Rashidra Scott. She has appeared on Broadway In Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sister Act, Hair and Avenue Q.
#Showbiz: No dance too hard for Nerosha
SHE glides gracefully across the stage with ease. During her performance segment for Dua Space Dance Theatre's recent show Roads Await at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC), her movements are fluid and purposeful. The joy on her face is easy for all to see, but unlike most dancers, Nerosha Krishnan's performance is executed in a wheelchair.
#Showbiz: Building bridges with music
AFTER a successful sold-out solo concert in January at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre to celebrate his 25th anniversary as a singer-songwriter, Lah Ahmad is now all set to thrill fans at Istana Budaya. The Lah Ahmad Jatuh Cinta Live concert will take place this Saturday at 8.30pm, and the 43-year-old artiste is excited and grateful to be performing at the prestigious venue.
#Showbiz: Dewa 19 drummer Tyo Nugros gets fans excited at concert
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular Indonesian rock band Dewa 19 showcased a different side to their live music by having a 54-piece orchestra play along during the group's concert at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, here yesterday. But its handsome drummer Tyo Nugros managed to steal the hearts of many female fans in the over 7,000-strong audience once again, as the long-standing band performed its solid 3-hour 'Dewa 19: A Night At The Orchestra – Chapter 5 Live In Malaysia' concert.
Immersive, engaging sci-fi epic
BRITISH filmmaker Gareth Edwards, who was responsible for Monsters, Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has really upped his creative game with The Creator.
#Showbiz: Immersive, engaging sci-fi epic
BRITISH filmmaker Gareth Edwards, who was responsible for Monsters, Godzilla and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, has really upped his creative game with The Creator. The epic sci-fi adventure is an original story by Edwards, who also co-wrote the screenplay and co-produced the project, made with a low sum (by current Hollywood standards) of about US$80 million. But the visuals are astounding and the cinematography is breathtaking.
#Showbiz: An accessible pirouette
BALLET lovers will be able to experience the grace, power and beauty of the evergreen dance form via highlights of classic works in the upcoming Freed Ballet show this Saturday (Sept 30). Taking place at the Plenary Hall of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre at 8pm, the show will be Freed Ballet's maiden performance in Malaysia.
#Showbiz: Raisa back for more 'KL energy' at concert
INDONESIAN songbird Raisa Andriana, 33, had a blast at her first concert in Malaysia at Zepp Kuala Lumpur last November. "You guys are one of the best audiences we've had. "It was an intimate setting with about 2,500 people, but the energy was unbelievable and it really made me want to come back to Malaysia," she said in a recent chat online. Fans will get to see the artiste with a mellifluous voice in action again at Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Fighting for deeper meaning
LOCAL action film Walid, which opened in cinemas yesterday, is the second work of ambitious filmmaker Areel Abu Bakar.
#Showbiz: Fighting for deeper meaning
LOCAL action film Walid, which opened in cinemas yesterday, is the second work of ambitious filmmaker Areel Abu Bakar. Tackling the dark issue of child trafficking, the film also features an uncommon action hero in the form of actor, director and screenwriter Megat Sharizal. As with his first film, Geran, in 2019, the many kinetic action sequences portray the local traditional Malay art of silat.
#Showbiz: Satisfying closure to vigilante trilogy
After two successful movies in the vigilante thriller genre, Denzel Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall for the final time in The Equalizer 3 to wrap up the trilogy that began in 2014. Based on the popular 1985 TV series which lasted four seasons, Washington has since put his own stamp on the character: a former US marine and intelligence operative who becomes a ruthless vigilante when confronted with injustice.
Stuntman Ali grateful for first lead role
FORMER stuntman-turned-actor Ali Arami is grateful that he can understand Malay, English and Mandarin well.
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