The Kleptocrats, documentary on 1MDB scandal, debuts in NY fest


This is what you need to know about 1MDB

PETALING JAYA: The Kleptocrats, a documentary on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, has made its debut this week at the 2018 Doc NYC, an annual documentary festival.

Directed by Britons Sam Hobkinson and Havana Marking, the 86-minute documentary tells the story of the scandal and those connected to it, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, businessman and now fugitive Jho Taek Low, and Hollywood celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio.

It also follows the investigations conducted by journalists from publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter, who worked to uncover the scandal.

In a review on Screendaily, film critic Allan Hunter wrote that “interviews with (then-opposition) politician Tony Pua, political cartoonist Zunar and activist (now MP) Maria Chin Abdullah remind us that a great story was also a national tragedy.

The executive producers of the documentary include Alex Soros, the son of billionaire George Soros.

Hunter said it earned its spurs as a feature, not only for its ambitious scope and technical polish, but in the way it saw the story through to the impact on the people of Malaysia.

 

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Norway moves some of its 60 soldiers in Middle East due to security situation
Russia says no peace dialogue ongoing with Japan over territorial dispute
Over 5,000 women, girls killed in Ukraine since 2022, says UN
Europe's strongest military powers plan drone defence programme
Trump ally ties up with Russia's Novatek on natural gas in Alaska, NYT reports
Police search royal mansion as investigation into king's brother goes on
Snow-induced halt to flights in Vienna extended until 1100 GMT
Journalist with Germany's Deutsche Welle detained in Turkey
Ukrainians mourn missing homes and loved ones after four years of war
Exclusive-Ukraine's 2026 defence exports could hit 'several billion dollars', official says

Others Also Read