Be it Korean dramas like #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay, local productions such as #UpinAndIpin, or Hollywood movies and celebrities, Malaysian fan chatter on Twitter is still at an all-time high.
2020 was a very challenging year filled with obstacles for the global entertainment industry, but despite the limited opportunities for Malaysians to attend concerts or visit theatres together, we still remained resilient and resolute, with excitement and enthusiasm all the more evident online!
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Here’s a lookback at what kept Malaysians glued to the edge of their seats (sofas) in the most extraordinary of years…
Photo via Variety
When the big screen went black
Although entertainment was enjoyed rather differently last year, what stayed the same was how Malaysians continued to discuss and bond over plenty of films. With its historic win at the Oscars in 2020 , hit Korean masterpiece #Parasite generated major buzz among Asians, with people joining in the celebrations online and cinema operators re-screening the movie.
So happy on behalf of the south koreans. I have seen so many korean films and drama, and saw how it grew throughout the years. Malaysia have a long way to catch up. I cried when they announced. Hardwork really pays of. #BongJoonHo #ChoiWooShik #ParkSoDam #Parasite https://t.co/P0f9XXArbo
— 🇲🇾 nab.abel.bell.lah (@bellnabilah) February 10, 2020
Yay ada lokasi baru untuk #PARASITE!
— GSC | #StayHome (@GSCinemas) February 11, 2020
Due to popular demand, we'll have NEW screening locations for #PARASITE! #Oscars2020🤩
Do check out https://t.co/rc3m6XpMNT or GSC Mobile App and get your tickets once your preferred location's tickets are open for sale! pic.twitter.com/6UEn8hOr4N
In addition to internationally acclaimed movies, local and regional productions also held their own. The #BoBoiBoy movie about a teenage superhero, and romantic Indonesian flick #Dilan1991 were both among the top movies talked about by people in Malaysia.
Dilan 😫😫😭😭
— 🧸 (@jun33ka) December 2, 2020
If only you guys didnt just jump into conclusion and assumed both have found another partner. whyyyyyy 😫
Communication is key guys. Watched #Dilan1990 & #Dilan1991 getting all the lovey dovey sweet feeling only to get heartbroken with#MileaSuaraDariDilan 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/CrzeJL4XVk
Back to the small screen
Of course, where Hollywood releases and international distributions were delayed, Malaysians filled the gap with a whole slew of local TV programmes. From variety shows like MeleTOP, to family drama #KampungPeople, Malaysians gathered online to talk about funny, sweet, and relatable moments, while looking forward to the next episodes of their favourite shows together. This resulted in a 48%[1] increase in conversation (Q3’20 vs Q3’19) about local television.
Bye Lailer and Jakferrrr 😫🥺 #KampungPeople pic.twitter.com/j4CPK2jbDX
— Fadz🧟♀️ (@wnfazrini) January 8, 2020
Congrats!!! @HaqiemRusli @QIEMILIO #meletop pic.twitter.com/wLoOqj7RUA
— عايشه ذولكفلي 🇲🇾 (@az_aishaz) December 20, 2020
The stars in their eyes
It therefore comes as no surprise that local celebrities too saw a boost in fan support last year. For example; when beloved actress Mira Filzah (@MFMiraFilzah) got married in September, fans shared their congratulatory messages as they were treated to an inside look at her morning and evening receptions, which were screened live on various channels and entertainment shows.
Find someone who looks at you the way Wan Emir looks at Mira Filzah
— Baby girl 🦄 (@Waneyroslan) September 3, 2020
Other local celebrities like singer Siti Nurhaliza (@CTNurhaliza11) and actor Remy Ishak (@remy_ishak) also continued to feel the love and adoration of fans. For example, when Siti encountered technical difficulties during a performance at Malaysian concert and awards ceremony, Anugerah Juara Lagu 34 (#AJL34) in February, her fans promptly (and humorously) expressed their distress on Twitter,
#AJL34 Dato' Siti Nurhaliza microphone having technical problem
— lady syafinaz 🐯🇲🇾🌺 (@JamainSyafinaz) February 9, 2020
Every Malaysian stress level now cannot hear Dato' Siti voice: pic.twitter.com/5zlK5gPYUx
Meanwhile, Remy Ishak took the time to engage with his fans one on one, triggering a flurry of excited Tweets:
OMG abang @remy_ishak likeee okayy!! haahah #donefangirlingmodeon 😝🤣 pic.twitter.com/hjhb1y9QDW
— 🇲🇾YoursTruly (@nrlzafirh) December 1, 2020
It’s unclear whether we’ll be able to gather for events or even go to the movies anytime soon, but we’ll still have Twitter to engage in conversation about highly-anticipated releases in 2021.
Stay home and stay safe, guys!
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
