#SHOWBIZ: Malaysia, Indonesia partner to boost film industries globally

New Straits Times

7 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia are set to form a strategic partnership aimed at elevating their local film industries to international standards, positioning them as a global focus.
To achieve this, a specialised team will be established, concentrating on script development and examining the financial structures necessary for film production.
The initiative follows a meeting between the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and an Indonesian delegation, led by Deputy Culture Minister, Giring Ganesha. The discussions took place during the recent Marche du Film event in Cannes, France.
Finas chief executive officer, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, said he had previously discussed this collaboration with Indonesian Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, at a film event in Hong Kong.
"Among the things we are discussing is producing a film project together. Perhaps a story about culture, especially one that highlights Eastern values," Azmir told BH Online.
He added that both nations share many cultural similarities, such as removing shoes when entering a home, eating with hands, and respecting parents, making shared storytelling a natural fit.
The Indonesian delegation in Cannes included renowned actors Christine Hakim, Chelsea Islan, Iko Uwais, and Reza Rahadian.
Azmir stated that the special team would comprise representatives from both countries to foster collaborative idea generation and creativity.
"The current plan is to form a special team that will research and produce the script. There will be representatives from Indonesia and Malaysia."
Azmir suggested exploring stories about figures or imams known across the archipelago, such as those recognised in both Malaysia and Indonesia.
This bilateral cooperation will also encourage private agencies to provide mutual assistance.
"This initiative is not 100 per cent funded by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments. This planning also involves private agencies," Azmir clarified.
The partnership aims to produce films not only for the Malaysian and Indonesian markets but also for export to various other countries.
"During the discussion, we thought it was time to produce a film for international viewing that tells about our culture and language," he added.
Indonesian filmmakers have also expressed interest in Malaysia's success in animated films.
Azmir noted: "Our animated films like 'Boboiboy' can be said to be strong, that's why they are interested in doing this two-way collaboration."
Conversely, Malaysia acknowledges Indonesia's strong storytelling capabilities and cultural portrayals in films.
Azmir believes that combining Malaysia's technical and animation expertise with Indonesia's narrative strengths will lead to a more robust outcome.
The discussions have been communicated to Finas chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, and Communications Minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Azmir anticipates further engagement with the Indonesian side at both the CEO and ministerial levels.