KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — What if the next evolution of Shaolin kung fu films didn’t come from China, but from Malaysia?
That’s the vision action star and martial artist Shi Yanneng hopes to realise by combining authentic Shaolin martial arts with Malaysia’s rich multicultural identity in a bid to build a Pan-Asian action film franchise here.
Shi, who has appeared in Kung Fu Hustle and Master Z: Ip Man Legacy, said he sees Malaysia as the ideal launchpad for a new generation of action films, citing the country’s multicultural society, rich heritage and sizeable Chinese community.
“Throughout my years in the film industry, I’ve always believed that action films, especially kung fu films, are a unique genre with universal appeal.
“My hope has always been to combine the Shaolin kung fu system that I learned at the Shaolin Temple with action filmmaking and bring it to audiences around the world,” he told Malay Mail in a recent interview.
Shi said that vision inspired his latest film, Hunter Eleven: The Awaken, an action conspiracy thriller he sees as the first instalment in a continuing Pan-Asian film series.
“Initially, I came to Malaysia simply as a visitor because I wanted to get to know the country better and through a mutual friend, I was later introduced to my director Frank See.
“We immediately clicked, and he shared my vision of creating Pan-Asian action films,” he said.
Shi and See posing for a photo during an interview recently. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
A natural fit
Having spent more than a decade training at the Shaolin Temple, Shi said his character’s military background and combat discipline closely aligned with the martial arts foundation he had built since childhood.
“So the action and physical demands of the role felt very natural to me.
“Physically, the action sequences and stamina required weren’t the biggest challenge; the real challenge was portraying the character’s emotional journey,” he said.
In Hunter Eleven: The Awaken, Shi plays the lead character known only as SADD alongside Malaysia’s Sky Iskandar as NOAH, Indonesian silat star Yayan Ruhian as WUSHA and fellow Indonesian actress Hana Malasan as TARA.
“In this film, I play a character who is essentially a special forces soldier, but he was turned into a human experiment and abandoned in an uninhabited mangrove forest.
“He then embarks on a journey to escape and uncover the mystery behind his own identity, making him a very mysterious character,” he said.
For Shi, action is not merely about showcasing physical ability, but using combat as a form of storytelling.
“These days, I am much more interested in bringing emotion into action performances. Of course, everyone knows how to film a fight scene, but I think why the characters are fighting is far more important than how they fight.
“When a character’s emotions have built up to a certain point, even the simplest movement or punch can leave a lasting impression on the audience.
“But if you are just fighting for the sake of fighting, without any emotional motivation or purpose, then it feels more like watching a demonstration or a training exercise because it has no soul and the character loses their humanity.
“That is not the kind of action performance I want to create,” he said.
A movie still of Shi Yanneng as SADD in his upcoming film Hunter Eleven: The Awaken. — Picture courtesy of Frank See
Building a base in Malaysia
Shi said he has already established a film company in Malaysia and hopes to use it as a base to develop a Pan-Asian action franchise while staying true to the essence of Shaolin martial arts.
“See and I have discussed how we can blend the aesthetics of Shaolin martial arts from China with Malaysia’s unique cultural identity, while also incorporating action elements from Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia.
“I am very willing to put down roots here and dedicate myself to making these kinds of films,” he said.
He also revealed plans to establish a Zen and martial arts academy where people could escape the bustle of city life, improve themselves physically and pursue inner peace.
“I hope to establish a place here where children and adults can train their bodies through martial arts while also cultivating their minds through Zen philosophy — a place where martial arts and Zen become one,” he said.
Pointing to the recent box office success of China’s Dear You, which explores migration, family and the overseas Chinese experience, Shi said Malaysia’s own Chinese diaspora history offers untold stories worthy of the big screen.
“Within the framework of the Pan-Asian action films that I hope to develop, I would also like to explore these stories and materials.
“I hope to combine these historical experiences with action elements by telling stories about how these communities struggled, overcame hardships, fought for survival and eventually became influential figures or community leaders,” he said.
Shi also believes Malaysia’s diverse martial arts heritage remains an untapped source of storytelling.
“Why did these traditions develop here? Why did so many skilled martial artists come to this region?
“A lot of it was connected to the historical circumstances of different periods where certain skills and traditions could not thrive in their original environments, so they travelled and took root here,” he said.
Shi said the stories behind how martial arts took root in Malaysia remain fascinating chapters that could inspire future films. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Just the beginning
With ambitions to build a Pan-Asian action franchise in Malaysia, Shi hopes audiences will embrace Hunter Eleven: The Awaken, which blends regional talent, distinctive action choreography and local cultural elements.
“To be completely honest, making an action film is never easy, and successfully completing one is an achievement in itself.
“As someone who isn’t a local action actor but has come to Malaysia as both an actor and producer, my hope is to create a Pan-Asian action film series here.
“My goal is to combine local culture and heritage with action filmmaking, so audiences can experience something fresh and different,” he said.
Beyond producing action films, Shi hopes his work can help bring Malaysian stories and talent to a wider international audience.
“From what I have seen, there still aren’t many truly Malaysian productions that have successfully reached global audiences and I believe I can help change that.
“I hope my films can serve as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s local film industry, its talented actors, its cultural elements, and the unique identity and culture of the Malaysian Chinese community.
“If I can help more people around the world discover and appreciate these stories, then I have done everything I can,” he said.
