MUBI, the global curated film streaming service, production company and film distributor, has announced the introduction of its one-of-a-kind curator model in the country in partnership with critically acclaimed Director, Al Jafree Md Yusop. As part of the collaboration, Al Jafree has carefully handpicked a selection of ten diverse films for the platform, giving film enthusiasts looking for distinct content an opportunity to experience these films through the lens of the director. This maiden curated selection will be available to viewers under the ‘Hand-picked by Al Jafree Md Yusop' spotlight starting March 18, 2022.
From Krzysztof Kieślowski's The Double Life of Veronique, to Wong Kar Wai's multi award-winning In The Mood For Love and Agnes Varda's Vagabond, to Abbas Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry, the curation boasts of gems from Asian and global classics, to all-time favourites catering to distinct cinematic sensibilities. Other notable titles from the curation include Wang Xiaoshuai's So Long, My Son, Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times and Michael Haneke's The Piano Teacher.
“Fundamentally Happy” is streaming on MUBI Malaysia
Speaking about his experience as MUBI's first curator in Malaysia, Al Jafree, an accountant-turned-filmmaker said, “MUBI is making our world smaller through their incredible selection of films from around the world and through the ages. Picking a handful of films from that selection wasn't easy at all. These are movies that have stayed with me, have impressed me and made me laugh and cry and shudder. I'm honoured and delighted to present my hand-picked selection of films for MUBI Malaysia.”
With an array of visionary films from different parts of the world, MUBI since its inception in the country has worked towards curating cinema that is in sync with the evolving taste of Malaysian audiences.
Sharing her views on the association, Svetlana Naudiyal, Director of Content, MUBI, “Al Jafree Md Yusop's selection of films brings alive his experimental style of filmmaking, one that is unique yet relatable to film lovers. As a platform that has consistently worked towards bringing great cinema to Malaysia, the introduction of our curator model is a step ahead in providing unique cinematic experiences; one that is built on our promise of human curation and genuine love for cinema.”
MUBI members will be able to stream this special collection of films, starting March 18 here.
The descriptions of these films are in the own words of Al Jafree himself:
The Double Life of Veronique (Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1991) – 18 March
“My favorite Kieślowski's is Dekalog. Since it's a mini series this comes as a close second. I don't have words to describe this masterpiece. It proves a film doesn't need an explanation of itself. As it can be mysteriously beautiful. It evokes.”
Taste of Cherry (Abbas Kiarostami, 1997) – 18 March
“This film broke all storytelling rules. Challenging audiences not to succumb to dogma. It's ‘subversibly' sad and it taught us we don't have to understand a work of art in order to love it.”
In The Mood For Love (Wong Kar Wai, 2000) – 18 March
“Probably the 2nd greatest ‘love story' ever made (the first one being Billy Wilder's The Apartment). When it comes to visually portraying the beauty and powerful nature of time and space, this film is the perfect example.”
So Long, My Son (Wang Xiaoshuai, 2019) – 18 March
“This one packs an emotional wallop. A perfect example of how one can master the art of storytelling.”
The 400 Blows (Francois Truffaut, 1959) – 18 March
“The main inspiration for my directorial debut, Melur vs Rajawali. Like Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev, Truffaut showed us how ‘beautiful' the world is in black and white. The greatest film about youth.”
Au Hasard Balthazar (Robert Bresson, 1966) – 18 March
“Bresson showed us a donkey can be an interesting and complex as a human being.”
Modern Times (Charles Chaplin, 1936) – 18 March
“Chaplin's take on the industrial revolution is both poignant and funny. And it has one of the most beautiful ending ever in a film.”
Vagabond (Agnes Varda, 1985) – 18 March
“Varda's greatest work in my opinion. A ‘unique' storytelling experience that almost feels like a documentary.”
A Short Film About Love (Krzysztof Kieślowski, 1988) – 18 March
“Originally part of Dekalog. Later expanded by Kieślowski into a film. Olaf Lubaszenko and Grazyna Szapoloska is my favourite ‘couple' ever in a film. A heartbreaking film.”
The Piano Teacher (Michael Hanake, 2001) – 18 March
“A disturbing experience. Should be watched in order to watch Isabelle Huppert's brilliant performance. Classic Hanake.”
