Internationally co-produced animated feature ‘Fleak’, which has already drawn positive reactions overseas, is set to arrive in Malaysian cinemas. — Picture courtesy of Astro Shaw (New users only) It's tax relief season! Get up to RM300 when you save with Versa! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Ian Jeremiah Patrick Saturday, 16 May 2026 1:45 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — Animated features continue to captivate audiences worldwide with increasingly sophisticated storytelling and visual ambition.New animated film Fleak, directed by Jens Møller (LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu), is set to light up cinemas across Malaysia following strong international attention from festival screenings and global markets.The project is produced by Anima Vitae Point (Malaysia) alongside Anima Vitae (Finland), Animoon (Poland) and Godo Films (France), with Astro Shaw serving as the official marketing and distribution partner for its Malaysian theatrical release.Fleak follows Thomas, a young boy who loses his ability to walk after a tragic accident.His encounter with a mysterious creature named Fleak from another dimension transports him into a vibrant alternate world filled with imagination and wonder.Malay Mail attended yesterday’s gala premiere, where the film unveiled a breathtaking fantasy universe bursting with vibrant visuals, boundless imagination and heartfelt emotion reminiscent of celebrated European animated features.Fleak’s long road to cinemasANIMA chief executive officer Yuki Pang said most of the project was carried out during the Covid-19 period, with a significant portion of production completed in Malaysia.A total of 20 Malaysian animators worked on the film, contributing to an overall production team of approximately 300 people across all participating studios involved in Fleak.The film was produced with a budget of approximately €4.6 million (RM21.1 million).Pang explained that the project only secured its 2026 Malaysian release because production timelines and licensing arrangements strategically positioned it for the May summer release window.The inspiration for the storyline came from creator Antti Haikala’s real-life observations.Pang shared that Haikala, a father of two active boys who enjoy cycling and outdoor activities, began developing the idea after witnessing an accident.“The creator saw an accident, and that’s where it struck him a question: what if this happens to my son, how would I support my son if this happens?”Pang also revealed that the character Fleak was inspired by the shape of a spider, later transformed into a cute, cuddly and furry companion with a sweet tooth.She added that the concept of using everyday household objects as portals — in this case, a lamp — reflects the idea that “anything in your household can be a portal to another dimension.” ‘Fleak’, a creature from another dimension inspired by a spider, was transformed into a cute, cuddly and furry companion with a sweet tooth. — Picture courtesy of Astro Shaw Family, distance and the film’s deeper messageAnimated films are often marketed towards children, but beneath the surface they frequently carry deeper themes about life, family and relationships — something audiences have long seen in works by studios such as Pixar and DreamWorks Animation.While Fleak is expected to resonate strongly with younger audiences, Malay Mail asked Pang what she hoped adults would take away from the film as well.She said she hopes adults will connect with its themes surrounding family bonds and sibling relationships, even when distance and unspoken emotions grow over time.“This is a story about family and siblings.“For me, I’m the youngest in the family, and the age gap between my siblings and I is quite big.“Growing up, it sometimes felt like the distance between us was getting bigger.“At the end of the day, even if we don’t always say we love each other, deep down we still do,” she added. ANIMA chief executive officer Yuki Pang hopes audiences — especially adults — will connect with the sibling bond and family love portrayed in ‘Fleak’. — Picture courtesy of Astro Shaw A sequel — and maybe a series?Pang said she hopes the film will remind audiences that imagination still matters in a world moving increasingly fast.Astro Shaw head Raja Jastina Raja Arshad said partnerships with international production houses could further strengthen the local animation industry.“We believe Fleak will further contribute to this positive development.“We also hope the film will become a top family choice during the school holiday season, while delivering an entertaining cinematic experience.”The movie has already been released in more than 20 countries, with Malaysia set to become the first territory to screen it in English.Fleak first premiered at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, where it received positive reactions that later spread globally.Pang also strongly hinted during yesterday’s media roundtable that a sequel may already be in the works.ANIMA chief technology officer Jani Kuronen also raised the possibility of a television series.“The Fleak character is such a good character, so we need to think about what’s the next step for the character, and a TV series is also possible,” he said.Fleak opens in cinemas nationwide on May 21.