STARTs Fest | Malaysian Tamil Short Film & Digital Theatre Screening KL

STARTs Fest KL 2026

Date: 2 August 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Registration Starts 3pm | Doors Open 3:10pm)
Venue: Pawagam Mini P. Ramlee, FINAS Ampang (Next to Zoo Negara)
Ticket: RM10 Donation Entry

Language: Tamil with English Subtitles
Limited Seats Available

ABOUT THE EVENT

STARTs Fest is a showcase of emerging Malaysian Tamil storytelling, bringing together film, theatre, and meaningful conversations under one roof. Audiences will experience two original works by young Malaysian creators, followed by exclusive post-screening discussions with the creative teams.

PROGRAMME:

PUNCH ARUMUGAM - A Short Film by Sashwin Chandrasegeran

Arun, a timid and soft-spoken teenager, inherits extraordinary strength from his late grandfather, "Punch" Arumugam, a local legend and martial arts expert. As he navigates this newfound power, Arun discovers the hero within himself.

Duration: 30 minutes film, Followed by a 20-minute Q&A session with the creative team.

NARAKSHA (Digital) - A Traditional Dance-Theatre Performance by Liishvaar

Naraksha follows a young girl's dream to dance as it collides with strict family expectations and the hidden dangers of the digital world. Combining theatre, movement, and Bharatanatyam, the production explores youth mental health, cyberbullying, cultural identity, and the emotional consequences of being unheard.

Originally staged through a collaboration between artists from Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Naraksha now reaches audiences through a specially presented digital screening.

Duration: 75 minutes performance, Followed by a 20-minute Q&A session with the creative team.

MEET THE CREATORS:

Sashwin Chandrasegeran - Writer & Director, Punch Arumugam

Sashwin Chandrasegeran is a passionate film student and aspiring filmmaker with a deep love for both watching and making films. Currently studying his degree in cinematic arts, he likes to explore in various genres and styles, finding inspiration in everything from classic to modern digital storytelling. Director - Punch Arumugam (2025), Director - Beats of Fire (2025) & Director - Mudivurai (2024).

Liishvaar - Writer & Director, Naraksha

Liishvaar is a Malaysian actor and filmmaker with a strong foundation in theatre and film. A Performing Arts graduate and current Film Production student at Sunway University, He also works as a photographer, videographer, and event/stage manager.

He directed the award-winning short film Engal Vidhi (Our Fate) (2024), which won Best Asian Short Film at the Tamizhagam & Kollywood International Film Festival. He also directed Naraksha (2026), a Tamil traditional classical dance-theatre collaboration between artists from Penang and Kuala Lumpur that explored the impact of cyberbullying. The production premiered in George Town in February 2026 and received positive responses from audiences. Through his work, Liishvaar aims to create stories that leave a meaningful impact.

As an actor, he made his film debut as Arun in Punch Arumugam (2025), followed by his role as Rishi in Sadangu (2026).

POST-SCREENING CONVERSATIONS:

Punch Arumugam Moderator: Varten Tharumalingam - Award-winning director, screenwriter, editor, and Vice Chairperson of SeaShorts.

Naraksha Moderator: Dhinesha Karthigesu - BOH Cameronian Arts Awards-nominated theatre maker, storyteller, facilitator, and creator of the acclaimed production They All Die At The End.

Event Host / Emcee: Yanu 

CONTENT ADVISORY

Naraksha contains themes related to youth mental health, cyberbullying, emotional distress, strong language, and suicide. Viewer discretion is advised.

ORGANISED BY

Presented by STArts.co 

Sponsored by Ezey Global Enterprise

Supported by Sunway University, Department of Film & Theatre

Venue Partner - FINAS

Ticketing Partner - CloudJoi

Official Media & Event Partner - Legally dudes & Co

Join us for an afternoon of film, theatre, conversation, and community as we celebrate new voices and methods in Malaysian storytelling.