Didi & Friends The Movie, an outstanding animated film that's bound to be a hit with the whole family

PETALING JAYA: Popular Malaysian animation, Didi & Friends, continues to expand its standards through the latest Didi & Friends The Movie, which hits cinemas beginning 23 February 2023. Throughout the 104-minute film, viewers will be delighted with a string of exciting tunes and, for the first time, an action-filled adventure led by the main characters Didi, Nana & Jojo.

The film, published by Astro Shaw, Warnakala Studios and Digital Durian with the cooperation of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), also features a slew of new characters, including Torra, Nek Kura, Kapten Zee and Tok Chip. Many of the characters are voice-acted by notable local stars, including Dato’ Awie (Tok Chip), Amelia Henderson (Kapten Zee), Ruminah Sidek (Nek Kura) and Waris (Torra). Also making an appearance is famous local singer Hael Husaini who voices the character of Pak Beruang and sings the movie’s theme song ‘Luar Biasa’.

Another song in the movie, ‘Kembali Bersama’, is sung by Modescape, which was written by Shah, a member of the group. Other new characters in the film include Geng Torra - Sumbu, Spy-Ken, Geng Pangobots; Kesatria-Z – Ondok, Mitus, Galang, Zee, Hip, Tong, Blink dan Pod; Penduduk Muzika – Rakyat Muzika Lama, Orang Asal Manet and Rakyat Muzika Baharu. Interestingly, all the new characters depict different endangered species in Malaysia, including the Malaysian tiger, hornbill, rhinoceros and more.

In terms of quality, fans will be able to notice a significant difference in the production quality and visuals of the film. The songs are special too. The 11 singalong songs in the movie are .accompanied by musicians from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) and Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP), led by musical director Daud, who worked on Ola Bola The Musical and Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical. The story is peppered with action, comedy, emotional moments and plot twists. It’s definitely not just a movie for the kids but can be enjoyed by everyone.

Chief Executive Officer of Warnakala Studios, explained, "Didi & Friends The Movie is a unique film with excellent storytelling and action-packed adventures and challenges outside of Horey Town, suited for viewing by people of all walks of life and ages. This film differs significantly from the television series in terms of texturing, rigging, modeling, animation, theme colors, and other technical aspects. In addition to these, Didi & Friends The Movie includes brand-new songs written by well-known musical directors, with the accompaniment of musicians of the Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), making the songs feel fresh for the audience. In showing support for the preservation of wildlife and cultural arts, this film also brings awareness to Malaysia's endangered animals as well as our traditional musical instruments. We hope that

this film will become its own phenomenon and bring enjoyment to the audience."

Vice President, Head of Astro Shaw & Malay Nusantara Businesses, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said that she’s very excited that viewers will be able to enjoy Didi & Friends The Movie soon. “Astro was with Didi & Friends since their first inception to now when they are known as one of the most popular animated series in the country. When it came to the movie, we felt honoured to be involved as a producer and in development, marketing and distribution. Didi & Friends The Movie proves that the local animation industry can compete globally. It is also not a film that is only meant for a certain age group but can be enjoyed by everyone. We are confident that our adult viewers will include Didi & Friends The Movie as one of their favourite animated films because of all the heart-touching moments. We hope this film will be the benchmark for other local

animated films to continue pushing boundaries.”

Chief Executive Officer of Digital Durian, Sinan Ismail, "Since Didi & Friends first started in 2012, it has been our dream at Digital Durian to produce Didi & Friends The Movie. From children's songs on YouTube, to episodic stories on Astro Ceria, then the sold out Hora Horey Live Concert, and now finally - Didi & Friends The Movie. This is a gift from us to the millions of Didi & Friends fans who have supported us for the past 11 years."

Ticket sales for Didi & Friends The Movie will begin on 15 February 2023 at 155 cinemas across Malaysia and Brunei. The official screening date will be on 23 February 2023. In line with the coming school holidays, selected cinemas are also conducting engaging campaigns and activities related to the movie for the whole family.

Additionally, you can also meet the mascot of Didi & Friends and take part in exciting activities during the Didi & Friends The Movie road tour on 24, 25, and 26 February at selected cinemas in the North and South; 3, 4 and 5 March at cinemas in the East Coast and Klang Valley; and 10,11,12 March at Klang Valley. For further details, head on to the social media accounts for Astro Shaw, Astro Gempak or Didi & Friends.

The story of Didi & Friends The Movie starts after Didi’s excitement turns to disappointment after Pak Atan forbids Didi from joining his adventure and instead instructs him to stay at Pekan Horey together with his other friends. Pak Atan and Pak Beruang are forced to go to Dunia Muzika to look for a magic cure for Pak Beruang, who suddenly falls sick. Didi stubbornly decides to disregard Pak Atan’s words and go to Dunia Muzika on his own. His friends Nana and Jojo, who are worried about him, decide to follow after him. All sorts of hurdles await the group at Dunia Muzika, including a dangerous pirate called Torra.

Make sure to get your tickets and watch this animated, adventure, musical film in cinemas starting 23 February 2023. Use #DidiAndFriends #DidiAndFriendsTheMovie #DidiBerbulu to share your comments about the film. For more exciting content on the film, you can head over to Astro Shaw, Astro Gempak and Didi & Friends TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts.