Banned Namewee Film 'Banglasia' To Screen In New York

KUALA LUMPUR – Banglasia, an action comedy film from controversial local rapper and filmmaker will be screen at the New York Asian Film Festival despite being banned in Malaysia.

Festival director Goran Topalovic has described the film as a “hilarious and surreal comedy that touches on issues of political corruption, mass hysteria about immigration, and out-of-control nationalism.”

He also added: “While Banglasia makes fun of issues that are of great concern to Malaysian audiences, Americans can definitely identify with them, too.”

Reported to be filmed with a budget of RM2 million, Banglasia was shot in Petaling Street and features the likes of Dato David Arumugam from the group Alleycats, also local comedian Saiful Apek.

Early last year, Namewee claimed that the Film Censorship Board (LPF) and the Home Ministry (KDN) had banned the film for 31 reasons; ensuring it cannot be shown for both public or private screenings, plus a ban from being uploaded to YouTube, and from being sold both legally or illegally.

Banglasia will screen on Friday, July 10, at the SVA theatre (333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues), New York.