In a historic victory last year, Monsta’s animation series “Mechamato” secured the coveted Anime Fan Award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival (TAAF) 2023, marking a pivotal milestone for non-Japanese animation.
The victory was announced on TAAF’s official website beating other series such as “Tiger & Bunny 2, Part 1” and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero”. “Mechamato” secured 40,590 votes, ahead of 50 other competitors in the same category.
Is this unexpected? Perhaps not, taking into account the series also achieved tremendous success domestically, grossing RM35 million at the box office and became Malaysia’s highest-earning local animated film of all time.
The mastermind behind this victory is none other than the studio’s CEO, Nizam Razak. According to him, “BoBoiBoy” and “Mechamato” stand as testaments to his childhood dreams and the warmth of his upbringing in Malacca, Malaysia.
Nizam Razak, CEO of Monsta
Nizam’s journey into animation began with a deep fascination for Japanese manga and a knack for graphic design nurtured during his teenage years. Encouraged by his grandmother to channel his passion productively instead of wasting time, Nizam embarked on a journey to improve his designing skills, leveraging the internet to connect with like-minded individuals.
His path as a leading animator was ignited during his time at Malaysia Multimedia University (MMU). It was there that he created “Misi Mustahak” (Mustahak’s Mission), a student project that went on to achieve remarkable recognition and snagged prestigious awards like “Best Works” at the 10th Malaysia Video Award and a Gold Medal for Short Animated Film.
This critical acclaim caught the eye of Tuan Haji Burhanuddin, the CEO of Les’ Copaque Production. This fortuitous meeting led to Nizam’s involvement in groundbreaking projects like the 3D animation film “Geng Pengembaraan Bermula” (Geng: The Adventure Begins) and the highly popular “Upin & Ipin” series, where he played a significant role from 2006 to 2009.
Fueled by the success of his prior projects, he set out on a new path in 2009 by launching Animonsta Studio. In 2016, Animonsta Studio underwent a transformation, streamlining its name to simply “Monsta.” This shift reflected the company’s expanding horizons, which now encompassed merchandising alongside animation. The change signified Monsta’s aspirations to become a powerhouse in Southeast Asia’s creative landscape.
Driven by a desire to create a regional superhero that would inspire young viewers, this spark of creativity led to the birth of “BoBoiBoy”, named for his unique ability to split into three. Lo and behold, “BoBoiBoy” was just the beginning. Today, Animonsta Studios continues to develop an array of captivating characters like Mechamato and PapaPipi, all fueled by Nizam’s dream – a dream born in the heart of a village boy.
“We have the talent and resources to create high-quality animation right here in Malaysia. But where were the stories reflecting our vibrant culture?” he asked.
Nizam recognizes the inherent strength of cultural identity in storytelling. This philosophy is embodied in Mechamato, a character practicing silat, a traditional martial art. The show’s appeal lies not solely in the fighting style, but in its smart storytelling that transcends cultural barriers.
As Monsta continues to evolve and expand its creative horizons, Nizam envisions the studio becoming a cultural powerhouse in the ASEAN region, championing diverse stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
In a plea to ASEAN leaders and supporters, Nizam calls for investment in local content creation. “Believe in our people and our culture,” he implores. “Investing in content that reflects our values is critical, especially since it shapes the minds of future generations — the upcoming leaders, doctors, teachers, and parents.”
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