In this episode of Mike Helfman’s Curiosity, we explore the mind of Ghaz Abu Bakar — one of Malaysia’s most acclaimed film directors and cinematographers, known for Polis Evo, Bulan dan Pria Terhebat, and Tokan. From being camera-shy to becoming a SONY Cine Pro Ambassador, Ghaz shares an unfiltered look at what it takes to bring Malaysian stories to global screens.We discuss creative risks in filmmaking, the evolution of Malaysian cinema, the art of visual storytelling, and how horror can redefine culture. If you’re passionate about film, creativity, and breaking into the industry, this conversation will hit home.📅 Recording Date: TBD⸻🔖 HASHTAGS#GhazAbuBakar #MikesCuriosity #Filmmaking #MalaysianCinema #Cinematography #PolisEvo #FilmDirector #CreativeJourney #PodcastMalaysia #SonyCinePro #VisualStorytelling #HorrorFilms⸻🎧 CHECK OUT THIS PODCAST IN AUDIOSpotify: Mike Helfman’s CuriosityApple Podcast: Mike Helfman’s Curiosity⸻📲 CONNECT WITH GHAZ ABU BAKARInstagram: @ghazabubakarYouTube: Ghaz Abu BakarIMDb: Ghaz Abu Bakar⸻📲 CHECK US OUT EVERYWHEREInstagram: /mikehelfmanTwitter: /MikeHelfmanFacebook: /mikehelfmanLinkedIn: /MichaelHelfman⸻📩 BUSINESS ENQUIRIES & COLLABORATION✉️ [email protected]⸻🎬 TEAMProduced by – Ruth Wilson Das, Mike Helfman, Fahad FikriHost – Mike Helfman⸻⏱ EPISODE BREAKDOWN00:00 – Ghaz opens up about being camera-shy and how his journey into film began.00:02 – From lighting crew to director — how small beginnings shaped big opportunities.00:04 – Discussing literary influences like Edgar Allan Poe and the roots of storytelling.00:06 – How he approaches cinematography, production design, and creative experimentation.00:09 – The power of the cinema experience and how certain films changed his perspective.00:11 – His thoughts on Sony’s Cine Line cameras and the future of filmmaking tech.00:13 – Blood, sweat, and tears — the realities of film production and creative burnout.00:15 – Balancing creativity and audience perception — why taste and timing matter.00:18 – Personal growth, spirituality, and how filmmaking transforms your worldview.00:20 – Music videos and their impact — where his visual language truly evolved.00:23 – From Jurassic Park to Malaysian sets — blending global influences with local soul.00:25 – On working with international talent and unexpected on-set experiences.00:27 – Breaking out of creative boxes — refusing to be typecast in the industry.00:30 – The responsibility of storytellers and the moral weight of filmmaking.00:32 – The differences between directing styles — and what separates good from great.00:34 – The rise of Malaysia’s creative landscape and what makes it thrive today.00:36 – How film helps export culture and shape global perception of Malaysia.00:38 – Malaysia’s film ecosystem is improving — why optimism matters.00:40 – “In Ghaz We Trust” — on budgets, box office realities, and creative faith.00:43 – Discussing action sequences and sound design — the art of immersion.00:45 – Revisiting early creative projects that still inspire him today.00:47 – Pushing visual boundaries beyond what’s been seen locally.00:49 – Teasing future projects and how Polis Evo shaped his directorial DNA.00:52 – On cultural research — authenticity in telling Chinese and Malay stories.00:54 – Why diversity in direction matters and the importance of cross-cultural cinema.