Malaysian online creative team Dissy is bringing its debut film 'Close Ur Kopitiam' to the big screens this Chinese New Year. Photo: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
This Chinese New Year, local online creative team Dissy is stepping into new territory by bringing its dynamic storytelling to the big screen.
The team, who has over 759,000 subscribers on YouTube, will release its debut film, Close Ur Kopitiam, on the first day of CNY.
Among the talents under Dissy include Vince Chong, Song Bill, Yuriko, Da Hee and Adeline Wong, who are all involved in the making of Close Ur Kopitiam.
Guiding Dissy through the transition from digital content to the silver screen is renowned Singaporean actor Mark Lee, who serves as the flick’s co-producer.
At a recent press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Lee praised Dissy’s commitment to producing a quality movie, despite having no prior experience in the film industry.
Singaporean actor Mark Lee lends his star power, serving as a co-producer for 'Close Ur Kopitiam'. Photos: Handout
“All the influencers involved worked hard to ensure the film is entertaining, visually appealing and worth every penny.
“They have succeeded on all fronts. It’s a movie with a distinct Malaysian charm,” the 56-year-old said.
Lee, who was nominated for a Golden Horse Awards in 2020, also commended the team for not relying on coarse language to win over audiences.
“They used creative jokes revolving around daily happenings in Malaysia. It’s remarkable,” added the Money No Enough star.
A brand new experience
Filmed over the course of a month, Close Ur Kopitiam follows Ah Biao (Song Bill), who owns a thriving kopitiam.
However, his business falters after a public feud with a popular influencer.
As scrutiny mounts, Ah Biao takes drastic measures to save his kopitiam from shutting down.
Dissy artiste Song Bill admitted that he still feels pressured even after filming.
He revealed that he’s been having sleepless nights, worrying about the movie’s box office reception.
The comedy revolves around a kopitiam owner, whose business falters when he gets into a heated argument with a popular influencer.
“This is my first major project, and I honestly care about what others think. I just hope everyone goes easy on me,” said Song Bill, whose real name is Ka Yao.
In the film helmed by Chong, Song Bill’s character faces a tense confrontation with a content creator, played by influencer Anthony Ng.
Despite being under a minute, this scene took the longest to complete, with over 40 takes.
“There were so many lines with over 200 words,” Ng said.
“At the time, Song Bill and I had very high standards for ourselves, so we kept redoing the scenes over and over again even though the director told us it looked great,” Ng recounted.
'Close Ur Kopitiam' stars (from left) Dissy talents Song Bill and Da Hee, as well as newcomer Tae Young. Photo: Handout
Another cast member stepping into uncharted waters is Zuvia Chua, who personally learned how to cut chicken for her role as a chicken rice seller in the film.
Meanwhile, Da Hee – who portrays a drink seller – sought help from a Burmese-speaking employee to perfect a line in the movie.
“The line was originally written using Google Translate. When I showed it to a Burmese worker, they couldn’t understand what it said and gave me the correct translation.
“I practised that line for many days,” he said.
Taking the first step
Close Ur Kopitiam marks newcomer Tae Young’s debut in show business.
The 18-year-old plays a dishwasher, determined to earn money for his cancer-stricken mother.
“Filming was challenging as production coincided with my exams, but the cast and crew were really supportive,” he said.
(from left) Song Bill, Yuriko and Tae Young at the 'Close Ur Kopitiam' press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 13, 2025. Photo: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Despite this movie being his first ever project, Tae Young’s performance received praise from Lee, who called him the standout star of the film.
“He plays a morally grey character, yet the audience can’t help but feel for him. This isn’t easy to achieve,” Lee said, adding that the young talent has potential in the acting scene.
Meanwhile, director Chong said Close Ur Kopitiam spotlights cyberbullying and the impact of misinformation on people’s lives.
He hopes the movie will inspire people to think twice before passing judgment, as there are several individuals who loving exploiting technology for personal gain.
“Through Ah Biao’s story, we want to encourage everyone to think carefully about the information they consume online, so they don’t become pawns in someone else’s harmful agenda,” he said.
Close Ur Kopitiam opens at cinemas nationwide on Jan 29.
