MALAYSIA'S popular online creative team Dissy Sdn Bhd, known for their bold and humorous style, is set to elevate their storytelling with their first Chinese New Year movie, 'Close Ur Kopitiam', next year.
After building a loyal fanbase through witty online content, Dissy is making their exciting debut on the big screen with this festive film.
Adding to the excitement, popular Singaporean actor Mark Lee will lend his star power to help ensure Dissy's successful transition to the silver screen.
In a recent interview, the film's director Vince Chong said: "It's a light-hearted comedy perfect for Chinese New Year, weaving together two central themes that resonate deeply with Malaysian culture – food and family.
"Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Malaysian kopitiam, the film introduces a colourful ensemble of familiar characters and explores timely topics such as social media fame and online controversies."
CHALLENGES
Vince added that the kopitiam, a cultural icon in Malaysia, becomes the heart of the story, portraying the camaraderie, challenges, and warmth that exists within these beloved local coffee shops.
"The film follows Ah Biao as he inherits his family's kopitiam and uses unconventional marketing tactics to attract new customers.
"However, these strategies cause a stir within the local community, leading to an unexpected social media scandal that threatens to upend the business.
"What unfolds is a series of comedic and touching moments that explore the complexities of human relationships, while showcasing Malaysia's unique kopitiam culture."
REGULARS
Dissy regulars Song Bill and Yuriko play the protagonists Ah Biao and his wife respectively, alongside special guest stars Lee and veteran comedian Jaspers Lai.
The cast also comprises Dahee, Anthony Ng, Adeline Wong, Zuvia, Yuniyce, Michie Lam, Klou, Kim Chen Wu and Morn Liew.
Lee, Vanzo, Dr Lau and Caroll Tai also serve as the co-producers.
Vince said: "Making movies is just an extension of what we in Dissy love to do, only now it is on a bigger stage.
"Through humour and heartfelt moments, the film delves into the diverse social dynamics and the warmth of human connections that are at the core of Malaysian society."
INHERITANCE
'Close Ur Kopitiam' begins with Ah Biao inheriting his mother's kopitiam, and running it with his wife.
Business gradually starts to boom but later, Ah Biao's management style and unconventional marketing strategies lead to an unexpected crisis, placing the kopitiam in unprecedented danger.
"After a conflict with a popular influencer, the kopitiam falls into a media storm and business takes a nosedive," said Vince.
"Just as Ah Biao and Yuriko are working hard to turn things around, the kopitiam faces the threat of being repossessed."
As Ah Biao and Yuriko navigate through challenges, the story highlights the importance of camaraderie and the bonds that keep a family united.
Song said that Ah Biao is sly and stingy, but loves his family dearly.
"He's a typical young Malaysian who dares to be different from others, but his unorthodox methods somehow get the better of him," he said.
Yuriko said: "As for Ah Biao's wife, she is more sensible and always brings him down to earth. While he is the soul of the story, she is the heart of it."
BULLYING
Vince said that the film also highlighted the scourge of online bullying and how social media "news" affected the livelihoods of netizens.
"The film will be shot solely in Malaysia, mostly around the Klang Valley, over a month later this year.
"As for working together, all of us have done so for sometime, and as a result we get along great like parts of a well-oiled machine."
He added that 'Close Ur Kopitiam' is their most ambitious project and having Lee and Lai was a godsend.
"They have helped the relatively new cast move up to the next level with their performances, and everyone is thankful to them.
"Mark and Jaspers are humble, down to earth, friendly and full of wit and wisdom, a testament to their silver screen versatility," said Vince.
REFLECTION
Song said: "'Close Ur Kopitiam' promises to deliver a festive, heart-warming cinematic experience filled with laughter and reflection.
"In the spirit of the festive season, the film is a heart-warming tale of resilience and togetherness, reminding us that no challenge is too big to overcome when everyone works together.
"We hope it will be well-received by viewers during Chinese New Year next year."