Local filmmakers and creators are having their moment in the spotlight lately, with the myriad of Malaysian-made films and shows that have landed on and charted on Top 10 lists on Netflix in the past few months.
Whether it’s to entertain your anak-anak buah in between open houses or to fill up the downtime while waiting for the rendang to simmer, here are some local films and shows to add to your watchlist for the upcoming festive month:
#1 Mechamato Movie
A prequel to the animated series, Mechamato Movie follows a boy named Amato’s first encounter with a powerful robot called MechaBot that crash-landed on Earth. Amato eventually becomes its new master, but there’s a larger problem on the horizon — the evil alien Grakakus is hot on their heels to capture MechaBot in his quest for ultimate power.
FUN FACT: In addition to being the first local animated film to open in Japan, the Mechamato animated series also has the honour of being the first non-Japanese animation to win the ‘Anime Fan Award’ at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival in 2023.
#2 La Luna
Shot entirely in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak, romantic comedy La Luna puts the spotlight on a sleepy village that is stirred from its drowsy repose with the arrival of the titular lingerie shop. The film, which is a Malaysian-Singaporean production, stars a stellar cast which includes Sharifah Amani, Shaheizy Sam, Wan Hanafi Su, Namron, and Iedil Dzuhrie Alaudin.
#3 Polis Evo 3
Shaheizy Sam and Zizan Razak reprise their respective roles as Inspectors Khai and Sani in the third instalment of the Polis Evo film series, in which the duo find themselves in the crosshairs of a vengeful ex-officer who seeks to avenge the death of his wife.
Missed the first two films? We’ve gotchu — Polis Evo and Polis Evo 2 are also available to stream on Netflix!
#4 Projek: High Council
Fight Club, but make it — pardon the pun — high school.
Projek: High Council, which topped the Top 10 TV chart in Malaysia shortly after it was released on Netflix and has continued to remain in the Top 10 since, follows troubled student Fakhri who leads the charge to end bullying in his elite boarding school by plotting to dismantle the High Council, a ‘ruling class’ of students, from within.
#5 Projek: Anchor SPM, coming soon to Netflix
Before Projek: High Council, there was Projek: Anchor SPM.
From creator Anwari Ashraf, the coming-of-age series revolves around a group of students as they navigate the trials and tribulations of friendship, love, and their personal lives while preparing to face the biggest exam of their lives — SPM.
Sebelum kami mengundur diri, izinkan kami mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri dengan pantun ini:
Satu dua kucing berlari,
Hari Raya semakin menjelang,
Selamat menyambut Aidilfitri,
Sambil menikmati kuih di balang.
Head over to Netflix.com/Ramadan for a feast of local films and shows to check out this festive season!
