10 STARHETRO I FEAT U R E

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Star Wars fans The force of their passion brings them tc

By CHRISTINA LOW christinaloW@thestar.com.my

LOCAL FANS of sci-fi classic Star Wars did not need a public holi-day to celebrate their special day. They were lucky that Star Wars Day or

May 4 just happened to fall on a Sunday this year, giving them the opportunity to hold a gathering at the Raja Tun Uda Library in Shah Alam.

"May the fourth, which sounds like the movie's famous tagline 'May the force be with you' is recognised and celebrated worldwide as Star Wars Day," said organ-iser 501 st Legion Malaysia Outpost com-manding officer Julian Kong.

"It is always wonderful when fans get together to celebrate the occasion and everything that makes Star Wars special."

Kong said the 501 st Legion was also known for their devotion to building and wearing accurate replicas of the Star Wars · costumes.

Fans who wanted to snap photos with

storm library gether on special day those who came dressed up as popular Star Wars characters had to pay a minimal dona-tion.

"We make appearances at corporate functions and events but we do not accept payment.

"Instead, we encourage donations to be made to charitable organisations," said Kong, adding that the contributions from Star Wars Day would go to the Montfort Boys Town.

Meanwhile, Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club president Sean Lee said the special day was usually celebrated with fans of all ages.

"It is a landmark date for us to share our love for Star Wars," he said, adding that it was an opportunity for fans to get to know one another and show off their Star Wars figurines and memorabilia.

Activities held on the day included the Star Wars Academy workshop, Droid Hunt, question-and-answer session with Darth Vader and the screening of Heart of An Empire, a documentary about the world-wide 501 st Legion fan group.

Visitors of the library also took the oppor-tunity to purchase Star Wars merchandise at a mini flea market set up by fans.

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o Fans dressed up as Star Wars characters taking a group photo as a memento of the event.

G Children learning how to use the lightsaber at the Star Wars Academy Workshop .

• Fans dressed as a Storm trooper, Sith Lord Darth Revan and an Imperial Officer at the Star Wars Day.

o Young f'ims getting to know Darth Vader better during the Q&A session.

e The Millennium Falcon, known to Star Wars fans as 'the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy' on display at the event.

e Five-year-old Ali Ahmad Ali Fauz admiring a recreated lightsabre fight scene between Obi-wan Kenobi [left) and Anakin Skywalker from Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith. .

o Wayang kulit- inspired puppets of Darth Vader and a Stromtrooper. They are the works of creative designer Tintoy Chuo and wayang kulit master Muhammad Dain Othman.

- Photos by MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI

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