Cinema Online interviewed three avid costumers from Movie Mania, Rebel Legion Malaysian Outpost, and Mandalorian Mercs Jebat Squad in sharing their insights about their interest and participation at the Heroes and Villains march at Movie Carnival 2009. Why the interest to participate in the Heroes and Villains march? Hanif: I like to show off! (laughs) I will be debuting my new Mandalorian costume taken from 10,000 BBY (that's like 10,000 years before Darth Vader's death). I feel that the Malaysian public needs to have more exposure to custom Star Wars characters and Star Wars in general. Whenever 'costume' is mentioned, people would either think of costumes in theatre or cosplay. I would like them to experience real costuming in the flesh. This is really a worthwhile hobby, and as Mandalorian Mercs, we even encourage the whole family to join up! Jamie: Because my friends and I are passionate about this hobby and we want to show off our hard work and share our enthusiasm with the public. It's a self-expressive avenue to walk about as someone completely out of the ordinary and act the part too. I believe the march should be the definitive gathering for all costumers in an impressive show of unity and numbers, and for a self-professed costume addict this is the place to be. It'll be a blast to join this landmark event with so many other like-minded people in costumes from all kinds of genres.
What does it mean to you? Hanif: This march means a lot to me as it will be my first participation in Movie Carnival and it's recognition for us costumers. It will also be particularly special for me because I will be representing the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club as one of only two official members in Asia! I've been through hard times and costuming is what's been keeping me going. Making public appearances is like making a statement that "I'm still alive!" It's also a publicity activity for the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club. Jamie: I love walking around in costume and I have friends who also love costuming to 'troop' around with, which makes it all the more fun. It is also an opportunity to promote costuming as a hobby which will see further coverage in the future as it becomes less of a 'niche' interest. I am also aware that children and even many adults enjoy seeing costume characters, and you'll never know if you can manage to brighten someone's day, inspire them, and bring people together just by doing what you love.
What character will you be as during the march? Hanif: My character will be known as Armata Vir, a Mandalorian Crusader. I decided to debut the Crusader during Movie Carnival 2009 because it is a symbolic of our 'crusade' to promote the making and wearing of Star Wars-inspired costumes in celebration of this epic phenomenon that has touched the hearts and minds of countless people, local and abroad. I want to portray this character because costuming is essentially a mode of self-expression and should be very individual. He is also probably the first completed Mandalorian Crusader in the world! Jamie: I will be marching as Anakin Skywalker, who is the first character I played in earlier high-profile events since 2005. Up to now, Anakin is arguably my most frequent and prolific character. I haven't decided yet whether I will be wearing his costume from Episode 2, Episode 3, or the current animated Clone Wars series, but I will definitely be with my Rebel Legion Malaysian Outpost team for the march!
How long did it take for you to create your costume and what was the cost involved? Hanif: About three months in total. But if you count the time in between, it would add up to almost a year! The armour started out as a rejected suit that was made for a videogame company. The Mandalorian Crusader that I'm making would (if I wanted to sell it) cost around RM2,500. Jamie: Each of my Anakin costumes took about two weeks of regular work. I hand-sewed and hand-crafted most of the costumes, except for items like boots, belts and unique accessories for which I don't have the tools nor the experience to work on at home. My first Anakin costume made for Episode 3 in 2005 entirely with household objects (a pretty deadly lightsaber made from a metal mop stick and cardboard) and handsewn clothing cost me just under RM100! Those good old days. But now I've spent approximately RM2,000 so far and the costume's still not quite complete yet. It needs better belt pouches. It's a real killer on your savings but in the end, it's all worth it.
On another note, Reno Tan, creator of Movie Mania website in Singapore, is an active costumer who owns at least nine character costumes and life-sized statues like Princess Lela and Boba Fett. Over SG$50,000 spent on Star Wars memorabilia and counting, he was one of the members who took part in the Superhero march at Singapore's Movie Fiesta 2008. He said, "It was fun taking part at the parade in Singapore together with 30 of my cosplay friends. We have always wanted to show off our costumes in a parade or march as normal as a meet and greet with friends. I dressed up as The Riddler from 'The Batman' animated series because to me, he is one of the smartest Batman villains. Moreover, I have never worn an entire all-green costume with a bowler hat before!" Tan also added that the march was also part of a good cause as all proceeds went to the children charity fund. "I wanted to participate because Superheroes mean a lot to kids and we want to support a good cause too." Be on the lookout for these avid costumers at the Heroes and Villains march on 7 June, gathering at 3.30pm at the Blue Atrium Entrance. Participation is free and costumers would need to register from 29 May (10am) – 7 June (12pm). Registration forms can be obtained www.moviecarnival.com.my or at the information counters at Blue and Orange Atriums, Sunway Pyramid.