Today, “Star Wars” has outgrown its humble origins, its universe having long expanded far beyond the three original movies (for those who’ve been living under a rock, those would be the original “Star Wars” aka “A New Hope”, and “The Empire Strikes Back”).
And like many other countries, Malaysia has legions of fans fascinated by this world of laser swords and space wizards. Thus, it is for them that another festival is being held at Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya this weekend – not to be mistaken for the one held recently at Jaya One!
The neighbourhood mall in SS7 plays host to the “Festival of the Force”, organised this year in grand celebration of the 40th anniversary of the release of “The Return of the Jedi”.
The second iteration of the event is also aimed at connecting the various “Star Wars” fan groups in Malaysia, as well as giving local artisans a platform to show off their creativity.
All in all, there are 57 participating fan groups and exhibitors this time around, a drastic increase from the dozens who took part in the previous Festival of the Force in 2017.
Visitors yesterday were treated to a wide range of activities for folks of all ages, including panel discussions with avid fans, cosplay competitions, lightsaber demonstrations, and musical performances.
Feeling envious that you missed out? Don’t worry, because you can still take part in the second day of the festivities today!
The main attraction has to be the many pop-up stalls and booths featuring local artists and artisans, all united by their love for the franchise.
On one side of the grounds, you have Lego enthusiasts showing off their intricate creations, painstakingly assembled through pure skill and lots of free time. Most of these feature iconic vehicles, such as Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon and Luke Skywalker’s X-wing Starfighter.
Ever wondered what blue milk tastes like? This fictional drink was first seen in “A New Hope” and, as it turns out, one of the stalls sells the stuff.
So you can – and should – satiate your curiosity by trying out this mysterious alien liquid. No promises of Force powers, though!
One familiar face you might recognise here is that of Jon Tham, who is a mainstay at these sorts of pop-culture gatherings. As always, you can opt to get an adorable caricature of yourself from him for a small fee. It’s the perfect gift for any “Star Wars” fanatic!
Right next to Tham’s booth is Jennifer Teh’s, a fellow artist whose posters of the “Star Wars” films are likely to turn a few heads. She is open for commissions, so do present any ideas you have to her.
Fancy yourself as a Jedi knight? Or for some reason, a French mime? She’ll get it on paper soon enough!
Also make sure you meet fan artist Greg Bain, whose works have been given the thumbs-up by creative heads and celebrities at Lucasfilm itself!
His creations are placed smackdab at the centre of the festival grounds, making them hard to miss; while Bain himself can be found working on new artworks close by.
Apart from the booths, don’t miss the exhibition gallery on level 2 of the mall. It displays a large collection of memorabilia assembled by one William Wong, featuring collectibles from the classic era of “Star Wars” to the modern-day films.
While being an attendee is surely enough to satisfy any sci-fi lover, here’s some added good news: Festival of the Force is also a charitable event, with the proceeds of artworks on auction going to Global Advocates for People with Cerebral Palsy (GAPS).
Meanwhile, Ti-Ratana Toy Bank is hosting a donation drive, which will see new toys being distributed to young patients in government hospitals.
Speaking with FMT yesterday, organisers Daniel Lim, Julian Kong and Malik Taufiq said they all have fond memories of watching “Return of the Jedi” in the 1980s.
“I was about five or six when my father bought me ‘Star Wars’ toys,” Lim shared. “That sci-fi got into me and has never left.”
Kong said the 2017 iteration of the festival saw 14,000 visitors, a figure they are optimistic of surpassing this year.
Finally, Malik said it feels “fantastic” to see a young generation of “Star Wars” fans forming before their very eyes.
“‘Star Wars’ is something which will last forever, and it will keep inspiring children to dream about travelling into space on their own adventures,” he concluded.
‘Festival of the Force’ resumes at Paradigm Mall today from 10am to 10pm. Don’t miss out!
Paradigm Mall
1, Jalan SS 7/26A, SS 7,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
