June 18th, 2021
Let’s get ready to rumble! Fikri is back with Tony Pietra Arjuna for the second part of their discussion of his film, ‘Shadowplay’. This episode’s focus is on the film’s geography and distribution methods. Fikri is especially interested in the portrayal of Kuala Lumpur, and Tony divulges how the city’s development transfigured the cityscape as both a location and a witness to the proceedings in the film. They also discuss how the deal to place ‘Shadowplay’ on KiniDia came about, and the film's other other distribution and exhibition plans.
June 14th, 2021
This episode features Tony Pietra Arjuna in the hotseat! With his film ‘Shadowplay’ dropping on KiniDia, Fikri figures the time is right for an in-depth discussion into the craft of the film. The first of a two-parter, this week focuses on the narrative arc and origin, as well as how the characters are developed. Along the way, they consider the influence of David Lynch and works like ‘Run Lola Run’, the importance of his previous film ‘Cuak’ to this one, and whether the term ‘cloudwalker’ is included because Tony couldn’t get the rights to ‘skywalker’.
June 11th, 2021
Back after a hiatus! Fikri and Ezzah sink their teeth into a number of juicy news bits. First up is a look at Disney+ Hotstar, which finally made its debut in Malaysia on 1st June 2021. They consider the role it plays in bring Malaysian films and television shows to new audiences, and how it fits into the local streaming landscape. In the second half, they react to Chloe Zhao’s Oscar win, and wonder how Malaysians would react to one of their own doing the same.
May 30th, 2021
Recorded in January 2021, this week's episode is a special look at digital technologies, identity formation and what the future might be like for media like film. Hosted by Tan Meng Yoe of Monash University, it is a follow up to a guest lecture conducted by Fikri on the same topic. Additionally, these two can't make such points without a little bit of Power Rangers chat, and on that note, may the power protect you!
April 3rd, 2021
The second of a two-parter features Fikri and Ezzah concluding their discussion on films from the SWANA Film Festival. Organised by Christina Hajjar and the University of Manitoba in February 2021, the films touch on issues related to diaspora, dis/connection, agency and change. Here, Fikri and Ezzah share their thoughts and feelings related to ‘The Wall’ by Odette Makhlouf and Issraa Elkogali Heggstrom’s ‘Nora’s Cloth’.
March 26th, 2021
Fikri and Ezzah return in the 75th episode of Thoughts on Films to talk about the SWANA Film Festival! Focusing on Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) films, it was curated by Christina Hajjar and hosted by the School of Art, University of Manitoba in February 2021. In addition to a poetry reading by Hala Alyan, Fikri and Ezzah take in two films from the event's second week, Suha Araj’s ‘Rosa’ and ‘Though I Am Silent, I Shake’ by Sophie Sabet.
February 20th, 2021
The 74th episode of Thoughts on Films is a discussion between Fikri and Hafiz about 'Kickflip'! Directed by Khairil M. Bahar, it tells the story of Johan, a man facing a mid-life crisis of sorts who finds solace by turning back to one of his earlier passions, skateboarding. Released in December 2020, Fikri and Hafiz talk about the film's technical qualities, how it relates to real life, and why it’s much more than a skateboarding film. They also consider how it fits into Khairil’s filmography, as well as other socio-cultural issues the film touches on.
February 12th, 2021
Happy Lunar New Year to all! Fikri and Ezzah kick off the new cycle with a discussion of ‘Burung-Burung’ by Anwar Johari Ho. Having officially premiered at the 15th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in November 2020, they connect the film with Anwar’s previous efforts, like ‘Forget Me Not’ and ‘Unforgettable’ (which he produced). In addition to an analysis of the film’s style and substance, Fikri and Ezzah also consider the significance of the film’s locations and the idea of home, the concept of merantau, and the link between instant noodle and love.
February 5th, 2021
This episode of the podcast is a special interview with Malaysian filmmaker Kan Varren. The director of 'Garang', released in 2019 and billed as Malaysia's first action film to feature difabled characters in lead roles, sits down to discuss the origins of his career and how it led him to the making of his feature film debut. He also opens up on the challenges he faced in making the film, his experience in the Indian film industry, and why the film remains a source of pride and satisfaction in the face of intense criticism.
January 29th, 2021
Initially published by our sister publication CQ Magazine, this episode is a recording of a talk delivered by Riri Riza. An accomplished Indonesian filmmaker, having made numerous critical and popular successes such as 'Laskar Pelangi', 'Sokola Rimba' and 'Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2', he discusses the importance of cinematography and lighting. The talk was delivered in March 2015 at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), and was organised by both FINAS and the Malaysian Society of Cinematographers (MySC).
