PETALING JAYA, June 10 ― Controversial filmmaker Namewee’s ‘Banglasia’ will be shown at the upcoming New York Asian Film Festival.

The action comedy that is banned in Malaysia will be the second Namewee movie to be screened.

According to news portal The Star Online, festival director Goran Topalovic said they were proud to host the premiere of a movie that is a “hilarious and surreal” comedy that touches on issues of political corruption, mass hysteria about immigration, and out-of-control nationalism.”

“While Banglasia makes fun of issues that are of great concern to Malaysian audiences, Americans can definitely identify with them, too,” Topalovic said in a statement.

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Filmmaker Namewee was quoted as saying: “I wanted to direct a film that I feel strongly about through the only way I know how, by being fun and entertaining.

“I hope more Malaysians will come support this film and watch it with me on my very first trip to New York.”

‘Banglasia’ tells the story of a group of multi-cultural individuals coming together during a time when their cultural tolerance and understanding are being tested.

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‘Banglasia’ will be screened on Friday, July 10, at the SVA theatre (333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues), New York.

Now into its 14th year, the New York Asian Film Festival is North America’s leading festival of popular Asian cinema. The New York Times has described it as “one of the city's most valuable events.”