Special FLEAK Screening Delivers Big Screen Magic to Young Patients at UMMC

Not every child gets to spend a morning at the movies, but sometimes, the movies come to them.

At the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), an ordinary hospital space was transformed into something far more magical, a pop-up cinema for a special screening of FLEAK, the animated feature currently lighting up theatres nationwide. This time, however, the audience didn’t have to leave their hospital beds or treatment chairs to experience it.

Organised by Anima Vitae Point, the creators behind FLEAK, alongside snack brand Julie’s Biscuits, the initiative brought the big-screen experience directly to children receiving care at the hospital’s Paediatric Daycare Centre.

A shared effort to brighten difficult days

By 10:15 AM, the ward had taken on a different kind of energy. Families gathered, caregivers paused, and the usual clinical atmosphere softened into something warmer. Each child received a thoughtfully packed goodie bag, complete with Julie’s biscuits and exclusive FLEAK plush toys, adding a layer of excitement to the day.

But it was the shared experience that stood out most. For a couple of hours, the realities of treatment schedules and medical routines faded into the background, replaced by animated worlds and collective laughter.

“Every child deserves moments of joy, imagination and escape,” said Yuki Pang, CEO of Anima Vitae Point and producer of FLEAK.

Why FLEAK feels personal

Part of what makes FLEAK resonate in a setting like this is its deeply human storytelling. The film follows Thomas, a young boy who loses his ability to walk after a tragic accident. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a mysterious creature that transports him into a vivid alternate dimension.

While it’s visually spectacular, described as “wildly imaginative” by international critics, it’s the emotional undercurrent that hits home. Themes of resilience, friendship, and belonging mirror real experiences for many children navigating illness or physical challenges.

Thomas, notably, is a wheelchair user, an inclusion that adds authenticity and representation rarely seen in mainstream animation. For young viewers at UMMC, seeing a hero who reflects their reality can be profoundly affirming.

More than just a movie

What took place at UMMC went beyond a standard CSR effort. It was a simple, thoughtful way to bring a bit of normalcy into an otherwise clinical setting.

For the children, it offered a change of pace from their daily routine. For families, a chance to sit back and share a moment together. And for the organisers, a reminder that even small gestures, like a film screening, can make a difference in how a day feels.

As FLEAK continues its run in cinemas across Malaysia, this screening shows how its message can reach audiences in different ways, including those who might not otherwise get the chance to see it.

Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw