Malaysian brothers Iskander and Feisal take Feisk Productions to LA after 15 years, selected for prestigious global film residency

The Feisk Productions team, among nine Malaysians selected for the 2026 Global Media Makers (GMM) LA Residency. — Picture courtesy of Feisk Productions

By Ian Jeremiah Patrick

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 11:13 AM MYT

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 11:17 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — After more than 15 years of making films independently in Malaysia, brothers Iskander Azizuddin and Feisal Azizuddin are taking Feisk Productions to the next stage after being selected for an international film residency in Los Angeles.

The co-founders of the Malaysian production company are among nine Malaysians selected for the 2026 Global Media Makers (GMM) LA Residency, which brings together film and television professionals from across Asia and connects them with the US industry.

Implemented by Film Independent in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, GMM offers mentorship, masterclasses and project development sessions covering areas such as financing, distribution and the business of film and television.

The programme, running from September 12 to October 3, also includes participants from Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

For Feisk, the timing comes as the company begins to see more of its work move beyond Malaysia.

Its upcoming feature Curi Makan, internationally titled Ali & Ben’s Spicy Meats, was recently picked up by Kuala Lumpur-based Abnormal Studios for worldwide sales, allowing the cannibal black comedy-horror to reach international buyers.

The deal follows the company’s earlier experience taking Angkat overseas.

The family conflict drama had its world premiere at the Blue Chair Film Festival in Luang Prabang, Laos, in 2024, after going through development on regional platforms.

These projects form part of a wider body of work built by Feisk since it was founded in 2010, with the company producing feature films, television, documentaries and short films across a range of genres.

The GMM residency now allows Iskander and Feisal to look beyond the production side of filmmaking and better understand how projects can be financed, developed and distributed internationally.

It also places them alongside filmmakers from the region with experience in some of the world’s major film festivals.

Among the international participants are Thai producer Kissada Kamyoung, whose work includes 9 Temples to Heaven, and Indonesian filmmaker Khozy Rizal, whose films, including Little Rebels Cinema Club, have screened at international film festivals.

The other members of the Malaysian delegation reflect the range of the country’s screen industry.

They include Fareeq Alias, a creative director and filmmaker whose documentary Pekik won Best Documentary at the 33rd Festival Filem Malaysia.

Zan Azlee, a journalist, documentary filmmaker and Berlinale Talents alumnus, has produced non-fiction work in conflict zones and politically complex environments across Asia and the Middle East.

Benjamin Sevang has built a career in television production with major broadcasters including TV3 and Astro, while Lemuel Ong is a writer, producer and senior production executive at Astro with experience in content development and production.

Perassath Servai is a filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist whose work explores Malaysian Indian identity, gender and social stereotypes.

The delegation also includes filmmakers Iris Chia and Nora Nabila.