KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 28 -- Once dismissed as inferior to global film industries for its lack of quality and compelling storytelling, Malaysian cinema in 2025 has decisively proven its evolution, fuelled by innovative narratives, bold creativity, and rising international acclaim.

Malay Mail even highlighted the year as one of groundbreaking firsts in both concept and storytelling, where local production house Astro Shaw contributed significantly to this momentum with films such as Keluang Man, Abah Saya, Uncle Mike, Malam Terlarang, Banduan, and the animated feature Papa Zola: The Movie.

Local animation continued its remarkable ascent, with the May release of Ejen Ali 2 smashing records by earning RM59.3 million, firmly establishing Malays...