WEEKENDER - Want to get into the Merdeka spirit? These are the films to watch!

Merdeka is a time for all Malaysians to celebrate and take pride in the country’s many achievements and accomplishments. To honour the country’s 63rd Independence Day, Astro will be premiering exclusive merdeka programs, films and documentaries from 25th August until 17 September.

1. Bertakhta Di Hati Rakyat

A two-part documentary that unveils the life of Yang Di Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah and his coronation as the 16th Yang Di Pertuan Agong in Malaysia. Directed by Basir Siswo.

[Astro Prima CH 105, 30th & 31st August, 9:30pm]

2. Malaysia vs Covid-19: Kita Jaga Kita

Director, Lina Tan explores the stories of Covid-19 patients and their families, the frontliners and volunteers during the first wave of the pandemic earlier this year and how Malaysians come together to help each other.

[Astro AWANI CH 501, Astro Ria CH 104, Astro AEC CH306, Astro Vinmeen HD CH231, Hello CH 702 on 12th September at 6pm]

3. Aku Posmen, Kau Latifah, Dia Joseph

A film which portrays a widow battling depression as National Day approaches. She lost her husband who served in the army and her journey to recovery is tumultuous. She finds strength by surrounding herself with the people she loves. The film stars Lisa Surihani, Jibrail Rajhula.

[Astro Ria CH 104 HD/ CH 124, 30th August at 9 pm]

4. Judi Dench Wild Borneo Adventure

An incredible story about an Academy Award-winning British actress Judi Dench’s journey of a lifetime into the lush rainforest, magical wildlife and stunning beaches in Borneo, Malaysia.

[Discovery Asia CH 553 on 6th September at 9 pm]

5. Work To Live S2

A documentary that showcases how a fading industry is being revived by the young generation - giving a new life intro traditional trades such as wedding chaperoning, rattan weaving and traditional medicine.

[Astro AEC CH 306 starting on 6th September, every Sunday at 9 pm]

6. Ottrumaiye Balam

A series of six short films, under a theme: “stronger together”, each film is portrayed in different eras from every decade beginning from the 1950s. It is directed by, S. Balachandran, Shunmugam Karuppannan (Shan) and Ravivarman Vicraman @Candyman.

[Astro Vaanavil CH 201, August 30 & 31 at 2 pm]

7. Lands Of The Earth S1 (Patchwork of Culture)

This film offers a glimpse of the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multi-cultural customs for weddings and christenings in remote towns and the countryside.

[Discovery Asia CH 553 HD, 13th September at 9 pm]

8. Nakkeeran (Kalai Oru Por)

This documentary highlights the current state of the Malaysian Indian Art, Cinema and Music Industry and the issues revolving around this rapidly expanding industry.

[Astro Vinmeen CH 231 HD, 29th August and 30th August at 9 pm]

9. Rap Porkalam

Witness the Grand Finals of Rap Porkalam by the talented finalists and find out who among them will be crowned as Malaysia’s Tamil rapping champ.

[Astro Vinmeen CH 231, 31st August at 9 pm]

10. Agenda AWANI Khas Merdeka

Special merdeka program that features our country’s history and new norms.

[Astro AWANI CH 501, 31st August at 9 pm]

11. Consider This: Bina Bangsa – Inclusive National Narratives

PUSAKA is working together with Allianz Malaysia on a project called Bina Bangsa. They want to put our discussion on the history of the country on solid footing. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Eddin Khoo, Founder of Pusaka and Zakri Khir, CEO, Allianz Malaysia Berhad

[Astro AWANI CH 501, 31st August at 10 pm]