News & Events

GRAMMY NOMINEES COLDPLAY AND RIHANNA
TO PERFORM LIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!

BRUNO MARS WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING AT THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS!!
Music’s Biggest Night

Sunday, Feb. 12, 8 ET/PT

Current GRAMMY nominees Coldplay and Rihanna will perform live together for the first time … as part of the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards (www.grammy.com). Music’s Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show also will be supported on radio worldwide via Westwood One/Dial Global, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy®’s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

Seven-time GRAMMY-winning group Coldplay is up for three awards: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for ” Paradise ,” and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “Every Teardop Is A Waterfall.”

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include current GRAMMY nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift. Aldean and Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, while Clarkson, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mars, McCartney, Rihanna, and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. LL COOL J has hosted “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs.

The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs’ social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue, and Instagram.

Malaysia’s First Ever Northern Japan Fair
Only At Pavilion KL’s Tokyo Street

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 January 2012 – 2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the ‘Look East Policy’ which has made significant enhancements to Japan-Malaysia relations. In conjunction with this milestone, the Japan Embassy in Malaysia and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the world’s premier lifestyle destination, jointly organised the Northern Japan Fair at the highly-acclaimed Tokyo Street precinct last Saturday.

As expected, the launch of the Fair was a breath-taking, immersive showcase that allowed shoppers to not only shop but also to learn about the culture of this proud nation. The Northern Japan Fair launch, which was officiated by HE Shigeru Nakamura, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, was framed in the cultural landscape backdrop of the Tohoku region of Japan and showcased a heart pounding performance by the world famous Namahage Sato-Kagura group.

At the launch, Ms Joyce Yap, CEO of Retail Pavilion KL said, “We are pleased to be working with the Japan Embassy of Malaysia to bring this Northern Japan Fair to Malaysia. I hope this fair will be able to give Malaysians and tourists a journey through the exquisite offerings that the northern region of Japan is so famous for. As a world class shopping and lifestyle destination, Pavilion KL takes pride in being a cultural hub to promote different arts and traditions to Malaysia.”

From the start of 2012, Pavilion KL has already surpassed all sensory expectations, delivering a majestic welcome to the Year of the Dragon in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Now, the kaleidoscope of beautiful pictures from the north-most prefecture of Japan combined with its renowned mouth-watering food, traditional arts and rich culture shows why Pavilion KL is the multi award winner that it is.

This is the first time a Northern Japan Fair has been held in Malaysia with the aim of introducing visitors to the Japanese culture and scenic landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun, featuring the region of Tohoku in Japan. Before becoming one of the worst effected regions hit by the 2011 tsunami and earthquake, the region was famous for its strong arts, culture, food and drink. The Tohoku region attracted visitors in their throngs, with their ornate traditional wooden dolls, sake, udon, Japanese rice, the Tanabata festival and of course the famous Namahage drum performance.

The Northern Japan Fair was held last weekend on the 14th & 15th of January at Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL. Visitors to this fair were able to feast their eyes on a massive collection of emotive and awe inspiring photographs which were displayed as part of the exhibition. Visitors also enjoyed a food, arts and crafts fair. The fair was open to the public during the mall operating hours which are 10am-10pm daily.

Astro Channel 616

Collect all of the Dragon Balls in this Dragon year!

But how can you make it in time to celebrate Chinese New Year with Dragon Ball Z Kai? Goku will guide you in search of the seven Dragon Balls.

1. Be a little chef. You may bake the yummiest cookies this year for grandpa and grandma.

2. Spring clean your room. Send old text books or unused reading materials to local libraries.

3. Do some charity. Tidy up your cupboards and send unwanted toys or stationary to orphanages.

4. Be a mommy’s helper in the kitchen. Wash and wipe utensils that will be used for reunion dinner.

5. Get ready for Chinese New Year. Change your bed sheet and pillow cases with the help of other siblings.

6. Decorate the living room. Sweep the porch. Water the plants. Make sure your house looks amazing when visitors arrive.

7. Catch Dragon Ball Z Kai Marathon from 23rd to 27th January at 4pm. Join the strongest fighter on the planet, Goku to fight the evil villains from the darkest corners of space and time that are colliding with Earth. This is all that stands between humanity and extinction. Joined in battle by a courageous cast of heroes, Goku travels to distant and dangerous realms in search of the magic powers of the seven Dragon Balls – and a good fight!

Besides that, tune in to Cartoon Network (Astro 616) or visit CartoonNetworkAsia.com for more awesome entertainment this festive season!

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About Cartoon Network Malaysia
Launched in Asia Pacific in 1994, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s (TBS) Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including Ben 10, Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Generator Rex, Chowder, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. Located at Channel 616 on Astro, Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently seen in over 63 million cable homes in the region. Online, Cartoon Network reaches nearly four million unique visitors a month in the region.

TBS Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Launch: “Cemburu” the single
An array of accomplishments has been achieved, and carved out by Amanda Imani in her artistic career during 2011, including the achievement as Best Vocal Female Artist at the Planet Music Awards 2011 (APM 2011) in Singapore. However, 2012 promises many exciting surprises from this young, aspiring and talented musician.
Aren’t you envious of her achievements in a short period of time? Please don’t be, because this Capricorn lady is ultimately dedicated and is extremely working hard in proving her talent and ability to all music lovers in Malaysia.
Opening the curtain to her musical debut this mid January 2012, Amanda Imani emerges with the single “Cemburu” where she pairs with Malique in a duet.
Composed and written by Malique who has achieved his own phenomenon in the music industry after being with Joe Flizzow by Too Phat, the single “Cemburu” is published by Amanda Imani Productions, distributed by Warner Music Malaysia and will soon be distributed and played around the local radio stations.
What is interesting about the single “Cemburu” is, it features Amanda Imani on so many different levels, because the single not only centres on the core of R & B, but also incorporates the elements of hip hop, rapping and turn table, however at the same time, it still holds firm on every Malay element.
What comes through from the single “Cemburu” is, Amanda Imani wants to prove she is capable to create music that is edgy, daring and bursting with energy, but at the same time, still incorporating her feminine characteristics.
In fact, Amanda Imani hopes that with the release of “Cemburu”, it will be able to show a difference in the music industry, throughout her musical journey.
“I hope the fans and listeners will be able to accept this difference and not be surprised by the changes I have embraced. As a singer and musician I evolve to make these changes and at the same time expand the genre of music that I bring,” she said.
“Cemburu” is the beginning of Amanda Imani artistic career move this year. Of course, Amanda Imani will not stay silent for long. Apart from “Cemburu,” Amanda Imani has plans to appear with a follow- up single in conjunction with her studio album due this year too.
In conjunction with the launch of the single “Cemburu,” Amanda Imani will also make a surprise when this rendition is to be accompanied by two dancers. She will be away from the guitar and piano as in her other performances before. It’s an extraordinary performance this evening, yet never seen before by Amanda Imani. A performance that will be captivating to all who attends today’s event.
Interestingly as well, Amanda Imani will launch her own branding logo. A result of a combination of the letter ‘A’ from Amanda and the letter ‘I’ from Imani, settled on a butterfly shape with the use of bronze and gold as its corporate colors.
Symbolically, the butterfly represents refinement and tenderness, but it is capable of the shock effect, to face all possibilities and overcome all obstacles. The butterfly is a symbol of harmony of melodies, which exudes from Mother Nature, regardless of time constraints. With the creation of her own branding, it will ease Amanda Imani to produce her own merchandise.
Along with the launch of this single “Cemburu,” get hold of Amanda Imani’s sizzling calendar which contains 14 portraits of her face with a total make-up transformation of her facial portraits, courtesy of Shiseido. Amanda Imani is also grateful to receive jewelry sponsorship from Rafflesia and much appreciation to Shiseido and Rafflesia for their invaluable contribution.
Interestingly, the launch of her new single, “Cemburu” and Amanda Imani’s corporate logo, has also obtained the partnership of Hilton, Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, the make-up of Amanda Imani at today’s event along with door gifts, are courtesy of L’Oreal Paris, Malaysia. Amanda Imani will also be wearing jewelry courtesy of Rafflesia at the launch of this single, “Cemburu.”
What is interesting about “Cemburu”….
“Cemburu” is a song that speaks about the emotions and feelings of a woman who is always in a state of discomfort to see the man she loves continuously surrounded by beautiful women.
Her lover tries to deny he is unfaithful by stating that although he may seem quite intimate with these women, but only she reigns in his heart. Because of her continued jealousy, she is perpetually in disbeliev and asks her lover to choose between the other women or her.
How the single, “Cemburu” was born?
As a refined singer, musician and one who has an enormous dream in this field, Amanda Imani has long wanted to keep the dream of working with several prominent artists and composers in this country. Among them M. Nasir, Ella, Joe Flizzow, Malique and One Nation Emcees. In fact, she also has intent to collaborate with singers from Indonesia, namely Agnes Monica.

“I have longed to work with Malique. Furthermore, I am the biggest fan of Too Phat. I grew up listening to their songs. So, I took the decision to approach Malique early last year and requested songs from him.
“Malique returned to me with three songs. One of them is “Cemburu.” Once I heard the song, I was immediately impressed and loved it. I love the swing and feel of it. It has elements of hip hop music which is the signature genre of Malique and Too Phat.
“What touched me is, before preparing the composition of the single “Cemburu,” Malique first researched who I am, my vocal strengths and the kind of music that is synonymous to me.
“It was a great experience working with him. He is unique and creative. In fact, what I can say is, he is an extraordinary musician. But, one thing, I liked, he is open to every idea and opinion from me,” said
Amanda Imani.
The experience of recording the single, “Cemburu”
“Cemburu” was recorded in a day at Platinum Studios and it was vocally challenging for Amanda Imani.
“In contrast to the songs I’ve ever brought before this, I needed to master both high and low notations of the track with a maximum impact. It is quite challenging but it was fun at the same time.
“At the same time I needed 10 layers of background vocals for this song. It was the most I’ve ever done. Prior to this, I have only done one layer of background vocals,” said Amanda Imani.
From the point of melody, musical composition and the music arrangement, it has significant differences with the songs that I have brought in the past,” said Amanda Imani.
“It’s a song that is quite fast with the ever present of an electric guitar and turntable from DJ Jocular. So, the beat is quite different. But I liked it the first time I heard it and I also believe I could carry it to my best abilities,” said Amanda Imani again.
Malique’s opinion as a producer, composer, lyricists and a duet artiste?
“I am excited to work with a singer with an enormous talent and calibre like Amanda Imani. I wish this song would help Amanda achieve the accolade and the honour she rightfully deserves”.

BUNOHAN’s European Premiere at Rotterdam International Film Festival

Malaysian action-drama BUNOHAN has been invited to have its European premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) held from 25th Jan to 5th February. Rotterdam is one of the world’s largest audience driven film festivals, attracting 340,000 visitors in 2011.

BUNOHAN, written and directed by Dain Said, is featured in the Spectrum section along side heavyweight directors including Takashi Miike (Ace Attorney), David Cronenberg (A Dangerous Method), Aki Kaurusmaki (Le Havre), Garin Nugroho (The Blindfold) and Andrea Arnold (Wuthering Heights).

BUNOHAN tells the tragic story of 3 estranged brothers – a kickboxer, a businessman and an assassin who return to their hometown of the same name, where their fates intertwine with dark consequences. It stars Faizal Hussein, Zahiril Adzim and Pekin Ibrahim, supported by Bront Palarae, Sofi Jikan, Nam Ron, Wan Hanafi Su, Amerul Affendi and Tengku Azura among others.

BUNOHAN had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2011, and picked up the NETPAC Award at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival in October 2011. It is currently screening at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (January 5-16 2012).

This highly anticipated film hits Malaysia cinemas on 8th March 2012.

For more information, please contact:
Sharon Gan / 016 888 7915
Faisal Mustaffa / 017 200 2944
Nandita Solomon / 019 234 7317

www.bunohan.com

http://www.facebook.com/Bunohan

http://twitter.com/bunohan_movie

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OgrPtRhdnY
Video Blogs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jzxke15r8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

Production Stills by Iskandar Ibrahim © Apparat 2010

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is an annual film festival held in various cinemas in Rotterdam, Netherlands held at the end of January/early February. It is approximately comparable in size to other major European festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Locarno.

The International Film Festival Rotterdam management emphasizes diversity in its film programming and on building relationships with and between film-makers and audiences. The festival’s design is to encourage film makers to mingle with attendees. As a result, the festival claims having “a unique atmosphere” and a “fiercely loyal following” locally and internationally.

The festival is described as having “a serious commitment to film lovers and film making – screenings are shown without ‘popcorn breaks’, trailers or other commercials. This sense of purpose plays a crucial role in attracting the best directors to the event, allowing it to forge a reputation for diversity, discovery and innovation.”

In its main section Spectrum, the International Film Festival Rotterdam screens films by experienced directors and maestros of artistic and experimental cinema. For 2012 Spectrum is made up of seventy-two features and documentaries from thirty-two countries, among which eight films supported by IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund. and 16 world premieres.

(Source: Wikipedia & IFFR Website)