News

Amazon Prime Video has announced its first slate of Southeast Asian local-language originals, including a trio of situational comedy improv shows, Comedy Island, across Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, and projects from local talents including Joko Anwar, Kamila Andini and Banjong Pisanthanakun.

The trio of comedy shows – Comedy Island: Indonesia, Comedy Island: Thailand and Comedy Island: Philippines – all involve famous comedians and other celebrities being stranded on a paradise island and are expected to start streaming in 2023.

In Thailand, the comedians must escape from a mysterious scientist who is trying to reprogram them; in Indonesia, they’re forced to take part in bizarre, role-playing games to amuse the local inhabitants; and in the Philippines, they’re trapped on a lost island that has reappeared and are competing for a life-changing prize. Indonesia’s Base Entertainment is producing the Indonesian and Filipino versions, while Liminal Productions is producing the Thai version.

Photo: ‘Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens'/Netflix Welcome To New York New to Netflix this week is an Indonesian dramedy from director Lucky Kuswandi, ‘Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens’ or just ‘Ali & the Queens’ depending on your region. The film follows young Ali, played wonderfully Iqbaal Dhiafakhri Ramadhan, who after the death of his father travels from his home in Indonesia to New York City in search of his estranged mother who left when he was a young boy. While in New York, Ali meets a group of four women in Queens who befriend him and aid him in the search for his mother. ‘Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens’ is an incredibly heartfelt and sweet film that is full of laughs and tear-jerking moments alike. With great writing, endearing and well-rounded characters, and terrific performances, I found myself smiling more often than not at the film despite a few shortcomings. No matter its missteps,...