Thoughts on Films

Episode 54: Let’s Talk About Ninavau

This week, Fikri and Muz are back to discuss the film ‘Ninavau’ by Bebbra Mailin. The film enjoyed a banner year in 2019, winning numerous awards and selections for festivals in Malaysia and beyond. The boys consider the film in its own right, discussing its fine technical merits, before expanding the discussion to the bigger picture context. This includes talking about pressures on minorities, inter-religious tensions and whether it would be more accurate to discuss the concept of Bornean cinema on its own terms.

Episode 53: The 2020 Academy Awards

Hot off the press! Fikri and Muz take some time out to run their rule over the haves and the have nots of the 92^nd Academy Awards. They consider the merits of the films they have seen (as well as those they have not), discuss briefly the process of voting in the American/Western awards season, and consider the significance of the Oscars in a global setting. More pertinently, they also consider the question of whether the success of ‘Parasite’ and Bong Joon-ho is truly a victory for Asia. All this in the latest episode of (probably) the only podcast in the world to be recorded on different days at the same time!

Episode 52: The Final Skywalk

Spoiler alert! The latest (and basically last) Star Wars film has hit the screens, and Fikri and Muz is here to give the lowdown on ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. They talk about the good, the bad, and the weird of a film that nevertheless hits a lot of the sweet spots. Along the way, they consider what they would have done differently had they been in the director’s chair, and what Star Wars mean to them now that the so-called Skywalker Saga has come to an end. All this and more in the 52^nd episode of (definitely not) the only podcast in the world that’s not crying at the film’s end, you are!

Recorded on 31^st December 2019.

Episode 51: The Boys Are Back in Town

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages: the boys are back in town! We relaunch a new season of Thoughts on Films, the podcast with an especial look on films in Malaysia and beyond. Returning for more fun are Fikri and Muz. Since the last episode nearly four and a half years ago (!), they have been this way and that throughout the globe, and this episode sees them catch up on their major cinematic experiences since half a decade ago. Without further ado, let’s get cracking with the only film podcast in the world talking about films in Malaysia and beyond that’s not actually based in Malaysia!

Recorded on 23^rd December 2019.

Episode 50: The One With The Last One

Ladies and gentlemen…all good things come to an end. We’re not sure whether this podcast particularly qualifies as a good thing, but unfortunately it is not the exception to the rule, meaning that this 50th episode will also be our last. As such, Fikri and Muz goes back into the past, taking a closer look at what may regard as the quintessential Malaysian film ‘Mekanik’. Though there is little that needs fixing, the boys get to work one last time all the same. Sorry may well be the hardest word, but we’d argue goodbye is equally tricky. Something a lot easier to say is thank you, dear listener, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the last ever episode of the world’s only film podcast in Bahasa Malaysia!

Originally published on 23rd May 2015.

Episode 49: Reaching The Mountain Top

After a break of a few weeks, we’re back with another episode! The 49th show takes a closer look at the film, ‘Puteri Gunung Ledang’. Ezzah and Fikri sat down to talk about their impressions of the film, its cultural impact, as well as the portrayal of different genders (what else?) in an interesting light. Ezzah, especially, was incredibly excited, naming this as one of her favourite films of all time, so you can be sure to be in for a fun experience on the world’s only film podcast in Bahasa Malaysia!

Originally published on 3rd April 2015.

Episode 48: An Inner View with Fadzlie Musthafa

Finally, we are able to sit down with Mr Fadzlie Musthafa for a long-awaited interview! We first came across his films ‘Setitis Harapan’ and ‘When?’ some moons ago. Attempts to interview him, however, proved to be elusive for a number of different reasons, so believe you us when we tell you that this is an interview more than half a year in the making. Unfortunately, due to technical reasons the sound quality can be a bit challenging in parts, but stick with it, for he speaks of interesting stuff with regards to the making of his films as well as the progression of his academic career. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the only podcast in the world where one half of the interview is recorded at a mamak shop! (most probably)

Originally published on 15th March 2015.

Episode 47: Of Datukships and Mr Grey

Another weekend, another episode of Thoughts on Films! Ezzah returns for a second consecutive week as we train our eyes on news from in and around Malaysian cinema. Ranging from the ban of ’50 Shades of Grey’ to Faizal Hussein wanting to be a director, the discussion remains fun and friendly…unless your name is Eyra Rahman. Even if it is, we certainly hope you enjoy another episode of the world’s only film podcast that talks about Angelina Jolie and Syamsul Yusof in the same hour!

Originally published on 8th March 2015.

Episode 46: Discussing Slum Porn Films, Apparently

We waited up and got down with Ms Ezzah Mahmud, who joins us from the other side of the world (literally!). Now based in Wales, a recent review by Ezzah about a Brazilian film revealed a deep love for the Elite Squad film series. As such, we prepared the coffee, cranked up the volume, pressed the red button and deliver to you the most international episode (in terms of distance) of the world’s only film podcast in Bahasa Malaysia!

Originally published on 27th February 2015.

Episode 45: Not The Oscars Predictions Show (Part 2)

Hola the good people of the universe! Continuing on from last week, Fikri and Wina are still at that same coffee shop, talking about the films and filmmakers nominated at the 87th Academy Awards. They discuss the screenplay, cinematography, acting, directing and best film categories. You can catch the first part here, and the Oscars this coming weekend, but until then, enjoy the latest session of the world’s only Bahasa Malaysia film podcast that’s not done in Bahasa Malaysia!

Originally published on