'Showtime 1958': 5 things to know about Malaysian movie premiering on Netflix

Premiering on Netflix, 'Showtime 1958' takes you back to the golden age of Malaysian cinema
A still from 'Showtime 1958' (Netflix)
A still from 'Showtime 1958' (Netflix)

Netflix's library extends far beyond the big-budget blockbusters of Hollywood. Among its many titles, the streaming giant has a large selection of foreign films, so you can explore the world of the film outside the United States, with genres spanning from drama to comedy to thriller. The film industry has become increasingly globalized, with streaming services making films in every language more accessible. This May, Netflix is adding three highly-anticipated Malaysian films to coincide with the Hari Raya celebrations. The audience can look forward to more authentic and fascinating Malaysian stories with the release of ‘Kongsi Raya’, ‘Prebet Sapu’, and ‘Showtime 1958’.

Premiering exclusively on Netflix, 'Showtime 1958' is a visually-stunning period film that takes you back to the golden age of Malaysian cinema. The movie is a two-hour historical drama inspired by true events, featuring stories that unfold during a 24-hour period which takes place during a crucial time for the Malay film industry based in the Jalan Ampas Studio which was owned by Shaw Brothers. In it, director P Ramlee organizes a variety show to raise funds for fellow performers who lost their jobs before Eid. This historical movie also explores the story behind the iconic Selamat Hari Raya song. The song was written backstage at Jalan Ampas Studio in April 1958 in Singapore, by the legendary P Ramlee and Jamil Sulong. Here's what we know about the movie so far.

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When does ‘Showtime 1958’ release and where can you watch it?

'Showtime 1958' premieres on Netflix on May 3, 2022.

What is ‘Showtime 1958’ all about?

The official synopsis of the movie is: "The true story behind the iconic Selamat Hari Raya song (Eid Fitr song) written backstage at Jalan Ampas Studio in April 1958, by the legendary P. Ramlee and Jamil Sulong during a variety show which they had organized to collect funds for fellow performers and friends who had lost their jobs at the studio."

Who stars in ‘Showtime 1958’?

The Malaysian drama movie includes Fatin Afeefa, Farah Ahmad, Henzi Andalas, and Amai Kamarudin

Showrunners

‘Showtime 1958’ is written and directed by Anwardi Jamil. The producers are Farid Ahmad and Anwardi, and the costumes are sponsored by Couture Classic. Raja Iskandar Raja Ibrahim and Ebby Saiful Ali are the music directors and Ebby of Ali Setan fame performs the theme song Sayang, which was composed by Jamil and written by Ebby himself.

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