Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, The Malaysian Insider, writing | Tags: ban, censor, censorship, fat bidin, film, home ministry, journalism, lpf, malaysia, media, new media, pas, self censorship, The Malaysian Insider, zan azlee
No more Film Censorship Board. Yay or nay?
By Zan Azlee
DEC 30 — The news that the Home Ministry has decided to do away with the Film Censorship Board has definitely caught me by surprise. Apparently, the ministry has declared that now filmmakers need to practise self-censorship when it comes to their works.
As someone who has been directly affected by decisions made by the board, I’m really not too sure how to react to the news. In the past, I’ve had my films — which to my own eyes were harmless — get ridiculous ratings like 18PL. I even had a film banned two years ago for no apparent reason (by the Prime Minister’s Office, no less!).
So when the government says that the responsibility now lies with filmmakers to make sure that their films do not contain undesirable elements, what do I do? [Click to read the full article at The Malaysian Insider]
Filed under: Afghanistan, book, broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, press | Tags: august man, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, interview, journalism, magazine, man of the year, media, new media, news, solo journalism, video journalism, war, war journalist, war reporter, zan azlee
An interview with the awesome ME in August Man magazine (December 2011)!
Filed under: Afghanistan, book, broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, press | Tags: 2011, clive, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, interview, journalism, magazine, man of the year, media, new media, news, solo journalism, video journalism, war, war journalist, war reporter, zan azlee
My biggest achievement this year has been co-producing my little daughter Athena Azlee. Somehow Clive magazine just wanted to talk about my journalism… but I’ll take it anyway!! Woohoo!! Go get the December 2011 issue so you can hang my picture in your bathroom!
Filed under: Afghanistan, book, broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, GUIDE TO AFGHANISTAN: The Adventures of a KL-ite, internet, journalism, new media, photo essay, The Malaysian Insider, video blog | Tags: afghanistan, angkatan tentera, armed forces, army, askar, astro, awani, bamiyan, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, insurgency, interview, isaf, islam, journalism, kabul, kuala lumpur, malaysia, malcon, media, middle east, military, mindef, muslim, nato, new media, news, perang, solo journalism, taliban, terrorism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, war, web video, zan azlee
Sudut Pandang clip is courtesy of Astro AWANI.
I recently got back from shooting my documentary in Afghanistan, GUIDE TO AFGHANISTAN: The Adventures of a KL-ite, and almost immediately was invited on Astro AWANI’s Sudut Pandang to talk about my experience reporting from one of the most dangerous countries in the world.
It’s going to be my most multimedia project yet… I filed reports for TV while I was there (Astro AWANI), wrote a feature article and photo essay for Esquire Malaysia (December 2011 issue… watch out for it!), produced a multimedia series for online news portal The Malaysian Insider (coming this week!), edited an online video series for my site FATBIDIN.COM (anytime now!), am in talks with a radio station for a radio documentary series, also in talks with a television station for a TV documentary series, writing a book… and last but definitely not least… a feature length film!
So stay tuned and prepare to have your minds blown!!
Oh… my project is still available for potential sponsorship and advertising… just give me a buzz if you are interested and we can talk!
Filed under: broadcast, internet, journalism, lecture, new media, The Malaysian Insider, writing | Tags: cnn, fat bidin, globalpost, jack womack, journalism, kuala lumpur, lay off, malaysia, media, metropolis tv, new media, news, solo journalism, The Malaysian Insider, video journalism, vj movement, zan azlee
Here’s my warning to all local broadcasters… especially employees. Heed my call!
Local broadcasters, be warned!
By Zan Azlee
NOV 18 — Beware all broadcast media professionals! Take heed of recent international media news (if you’ve been keeping abreast, of course!). This week, CNN, that great global 24-hour news network, just laid off a significant number of their staff from their offices around the United States.
Among those let go were journalists, cameramen and editors. The reason, said senior V-P Jack Womack, is the change in workflow due to current technology. An internal memo he wrote that is available online states:
“Technology investments in our newsrooms now allow more desktop editing and publishing for broadcast and online. This evolution allows more people in more places to edit and publish than ever before. As a result of these technology and workflow changes, CNN is reducing the number of media editors in our work force in Atlanta. … Consumer and prosumer technologies are simpler and more accessible. Small cameras are now high broadcast quality. More of this technology is in the hands of more people. After completing this analysis, CNN determined that some photojournalists will be departing the company.”
Apparently (obviously!), technology and the media have developed so much that what used to take whole production teams to do can now be achieved by single individuals. Surprise! Surprise! I have been preaching, and practising, this for many years now. Almost 10 years, to be exact. And people are only realising this now? [Click to read my full article at The Malaysian Insider]
Filed under: book, broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, internet, journalism, new media, Operation Nasi Kerabu, press, video blog | Tags: bernama, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, muslim, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, solo journalism, thailand, the breakfast club, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
The Breakfast Club video clip is courtesy of BERNAMA TV.
I was on BERNAMA TV’s The Breakfast Club a few weeks ago (18th October 2011) to promote my book and DVD ‘OPERATION NASI KERABU: FINDING PATANI IN AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘. Holy crap I’m so sexy! It’s no wonder I have a legion of fans! (Please like my Facebook Page… PLEASE!!!)
Of course… the book can be found at any major bookstore at RM25 (a free DVD of my documentary comes with every purchase). And if you’re interested to purchase it online, head on to the FATBIDIN e-STORE! There are other FAT BIDIN documentaries for sale too!
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, film, GlobalPost, internet, journalism, new media, video blog, writing | Tags: architect, architecture, building, city, clement, design, documentary, environment, fat bidin, film, global post, globalpost, green, house, interview, journalism, kuala lumpur, malaysia, media, multimedia, new media, news, powerland, retrofit, solo journalism, sustainable, video journalism, web video, wong, zan azlee
I have been a regular visitor to GlobalPost, a US-based digital news agency ever since its launch in 2009. I like the site because of it’s total multimedia method of telling stories (and also their kick-ass breaking news coverage of Muammar Gaddafi’s capture and killing in Libya!).
So… today I am happy to present to you my first piece for GobalPost! It’s a story about Clement Wong, a green architect in Kuala Lumpur who has made it his mission to convert old houses in the city into green and sustainable homes. And it is under GlobalPost’s special multimedia feature called ‘Powerland‘.
You can view my video and article by clicking on the image above or here.
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, e-store, film, internet, journalism, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), new media, video blog | Tags: askar, broadcast, chinese, city, customs, directing, documentary, fat bidin, fatbidin.tv, film, history, internet, jinjang, journalism, kampung, kampung baru, kampung baru alaf baru, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), kuala lumpur, liew seng tat, malay, malaysia, media, military, nasi lemak, nasi lemak antarabangsa, new age new village, new media, ntv7, pantang, projek angkat rumah, traditions, video blog, zan azlee
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 8 of 8 (Conclusion)
Multiracial or not… we will survive… together!
Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.
Click here to watch all the episodes.
KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!
Don’t forget to join the FAT BIDIN FACEBOOK PAGE for more life-changing experiences!
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, internet, journalism, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), new media, video blog | Tags: askar, broadcast, chinese, city, customs, directing, documentary, fat bidin, fatbidin.tv, film, history, internet, jinjang, journalism, kampung, kampung baru, kampung baru alaf baru, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), kuala lumpur, liew seng tat, malay, malaysia, media, military, nasi lemak, nasi lemak antarabangsa, new age new village, new media, ntv7, pantang, projek angkat rumah, traditions, video blog, zan azlee
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 7 of 8
Racial harmony? Not anymore!
Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.
Click here to watch all the episodes.
KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, internet, journalism, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), new media, video blog | Tags: askar, broadcast, chinese, city, customs, directing, documentary, fat bidin, fatbidin.tv, film, history, internet, jinjang, journalism, kampung, kampung baru, kampung baru alaf baru, Kampung Baru Alaf Baru (AKA: New Age New Village), kuala lumpur, liew seng tat, malay, malaysia, media, military, nasi lemak, nasi lemak antarabangsa, new age new village, new media, ntv7, pantang, projek angkat rumah, traditions, video blog, zan azlee
FAT BIDIN PRESENTS… KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU (NEW AGE NEW VILLAGE)
Part 6 of 8
Malays, Chinese, Indians and whomever… let’s divide them!
Short synopsis: Kampung Baru is a traditional Malay village situated in the heart of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Traditional Malay houses are surrounded by huge concrete and steel skyscrapers that provide a juxtaposition of modern urbanisation and customs and tradition. Zan talks to several individuals who have close ties with Kampung Baru to try and capture the essence of the village.
Click here to watch all the episodes.
KAMPUNG BARU ALAF BARU was screened on ntv7 in conjunction with the 2010 Merdeka celebrations. Visit the FAT BIDIN E-STORE to buy the DVD and own it for yourself!
Filed under: Afghanistan, broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, The Malaysian Insider, writing | Tags: 9/11, bamiyan, city, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, insurgency, interview, islam, journalism, kabul, malaysia, media, muslim, new media, news, solo journalism, taliban, The Malaysian Insider, war, yadkawlang, zan azlee
I am shocked that I even have time to write my column for The Malaysian Insider here in Afghanistan!
Off the record… in Afghanistan
By Zan Azlee
SEPT 16 — There is something about a video camera that makes people apprehensive. Some are shy but most are just afraid that what they say or do on camera might harm them. As a video journalist and documentary film-maker, I document a lot of people doing and saying things in real life. I think I do quite well in convincing people to be more candid, casual and honest when they talk to me and my camera.
A lot of it has to do with the fact that I’m mainly a solo journalist and I don’t have a crew. Since I’m alone when I’m recording, people feel more at ease. But I also like to think that it could be because I have inviting eyes and I smile and laugh a lot. And that puts people at ease (haha!). There are, of course, those who are just too shielded and even my charm and good looks can’t break them.
One good example is my current stint as an embedded journalist with the Malaysian Armed Forces who are serving in Afghanistan, for my next documentary project. [Click to read the full article]
Filed under: Afghanistan, broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, The Malaysian Insider, writing | Tags: 9/11, city, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, insurgency, interview, islam, journalism, kabul, malaysia, media, muslim, new media, news, solo journalism, taliban, The Malaysian Insider, war, zan azlee
I wish I had enough time for more entries on my website. But interviewing, shooting, editing and filling stories are leaving me exhausted everyday here in Afghanistan! But here’s my column at The Malaysian Insider this week.
9/11 no longer relevant to Afghans
By Zan Azlee
SEPT 9 — The way the media distorts and manipulates facts has never been so obvious as when I stepped foot for the first time on Afghan soil this week. I’m here for my next documentary project and also as a correspondent for Astro Awani and to produce features for The Malaysian Insider, amongst other media.
I am lucky enough (haha!) to be in the country’s capital city Kabul for the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9/11. As the weekend approaches, the international media has already begun their hype-up of the “event” with all kinds of feature stories and packages.
It seems, according to the media, the whole world is thinking of 9/11 and why wouldn’t they when that’s all that’s being highlighted. [Click to read the rest of the article]
Filed under: Afghanistan, book, broadcast, directing, documentary, film, internet, journalism, new media, writing | Tags: afghanistan, astro, awani, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, islam, journalism, kabul, solo journalism, video journalism, war, zan azlee
I’m heading out today! Afghanistan here I come! I’ll be doing shit loads over there… shooting my documentary film, writing a book, shooting photographs, and doing live reports! GODAMMIT! The things I have to do to pay the bills! I’ll be posting… tweeting… FB-ing and Instagraming every opportunity I get so stay tuned! Or… you can also watch ASTRO Awani (501) starting 5th September for my live reports from the Land of the Bearded Man! Until I come up with something better… I’m calling it THE UNTITLED AFGHANISTAN PROJECT!
Wish me luck! (Or send me a bulletproof vest! Those things are expensive!)
Filed under: broadcast, documentary, film, I'm Muslim Too!, internet, press | Tags: 1malaysia, aidilfitri, azlee, documentary, film, hari raya, interview, jasmine. athena, journalism, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, media, merdeka, press, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, the star, zan azlee
It’s Hari Raya and Merdeka!! And Athena handles her first interview and photoshoot with The Star very well indeed! (Click on the image below to read the article)
Happy Hari Raya and Merdeka everyone!
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, internet, journalism, metropolis, new media, video blog | Tags: AIDS, cancer, cicak, documentary, dutch, fat bidin, film, gecko, interview, journalism, kuala lumpur, malaysia, metropolis, netherlands, tokek, video journalism, vpro, web video, zan azlee
I am preparing to take off on my next big film/multimedia project, so stay tuned for that! It’s going to be DA BOMB (and I mean that literally!)! But for now, check out my latest documentary for the Dutch television station VPRO TV. It’s all about the TOKEK!! Click on the image below to view the video.
Filed under: book, broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, internet, journalism, new media, Operation Nasi Kerabu | Tags: conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, google, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, muslim, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, radio, review, solo journalism, susan loone, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, the malaysian reader, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
Okay! I google my name in the middle of the night when nobody is watching. So sue me! But look what I found… a couple of online reviews of my book and DVD ‘Operation Nasi Kerabu:Finding Patani in an Islamic Insurgency‘! Click on the images to read the reviews. Thanks Khairul and Susan for the kind words. Your money will be deposited in to your accounts soon! Muahahaha!
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, e-store, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, internet, journalism, new media, Operation Nasi Kerabu, press | Tags: bfm, conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, muslim, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, radio, solo journalism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
I forgive those of you who missed me live on BFM 89.9 Evening Edition talking about my book and film ‘Operation Nasi Kerabu: Finding Patani in an Islamic Insurgency‘ yesterday evening. I know you all tried your best. But fret not! The show is available for streaming or download so you can take it with you everywhere! Go listen now!
And just as a reminder to everyone, the book is available at all major bookstores for RM25… and you get a free DVD too! Or you can also purchase it online at the FATBIDIN E-STORE! Proceeds will go to buying my daughter milk and diapers.
Filed under: broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, journalism, new media, Operation Nasi Kerabu, press | Tags: conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, muslim, ntv7, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, solo journalism, thailand, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, the star, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
An old Kelab Seni Filem buddy who works at The Star wrote a nice article about me and ‘Operation Nasi Kerabu‘. Allan Koay is not a bad writer at all! But it definitely helps when you have an interesting character to write about huh? Muahahaha!! You can click on the image above or here to read the article.
Filed under: book, broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, journalism, Operation Nasi Kerabu, press, print, video blog, writing | Tags: conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malay mail, malaysia, muslim, ntv7, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, solo journalism, thailand, the breakfast show, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
After the official launch, the promotion of my book and DVD ‘OPERATION NASI KERABU: FINDING PATANI IN AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘ has been going along quite well. How can it not when you have such a sexy ass guy behind it (ME of course!). Last week, I was on ntv7′s The Breakfast Show along with Tuwaedaniya Meringing, the main character of my book and film who so graciously flew down to Kuala Lumpur from Thailand to help me with my promotion campaign. (The clip below is courtesy of ntv7 and Primeworks Studios)
And a few days ago, The Malay Mail wrote a decent review of my book, which you can read online here.
The book can be found at any major book store at the price of RM25 (and this includes a free DVD of my documentary film ‘THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘!). You can also buy it online at FATBIDIN.COM/STORE/. So please buy the book people! I need to feed my four month old daughter! She’s been crying for milk for a long time now!
Filed under: book, broadcast, directing, documentary, DVD, film, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, journalism, Operation Nasi Kerabu, print, writing | Tags: conflict, documentary, fat bidin, film, finding patani in an islamic insurgency, heading to the border, I'M MUSLIM TOO! Heading to the border, insurgency, islam, journalism, krue se mosque, kuala lumpur, malay, malaysia, muslim, ntv7, operation nasi kerabu, patani, pattani, solo journalism, thailand, the breakfast show, The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency, video journalism, war, zan azlee, zi publications
And so it was the launch of my book and DVD ‘OPERATION NASI KERABU: FINDING PATANI IN AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘ which took place at The Annexe, Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. I’ve got an aching wrist from signing a gazillion copies of my book!
The book is selling at RM25 an it comes with a free DVD of my documentary film ‘THE LIFE & TIMES OF AN ISLAMIC INSURGENCY‘. Just visit your nearest bookstore.
Tuwaedaniya Meringing (AKA Daniya), the veteran journalist/fixer from Patani and also the main character of my book and film, saying a few words about the conflict in his hometown.
Indulging my adoring fans!
Please buy my book if you want my daughter to continue having milk to drink and diapers to poop in!
The two guys that made this happen… Tuwaedaniya Meringing and Ezra Zaid (ZI Publications).
And on a last note, tune in to ntv7′s The Breakfast Show this Tuesday, 21st June 2011, at 9am, to see Daniya and me talk about my book and film!
