Latest news with #FIMI
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Finas committed to take local talents to international stage
Finas committed to take local talents to international stage KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) is committed to boosting the presence of local talents and works at the international level through various strategic initiatives, including support funds, participation in world film festivals and cross-government agency collaboration. Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the achievements of local actors in the foreign film industry are gaining prominence and need to be supported comprehensively to become a catalyst for the development of the country's creative industry. Advertisement "Finas is very proud and fully supports the success of local production companies and individual talents who have succeeded in penetrating the international market. This success proves that our creative industry can be accepted and compete at the international level," he told Bernama. He said among the main initiatives provided by Finas are the Creative Content Fund (DKK), Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), human capital development funds and international market participation funds, as well as promotions and facilities for high-potential works. SPONSORED CONTENT Hans said Finas also provides international synergy routes through participation in major world film festivals and markets such as Cannes, Berlinale and Busan, as well as establishing collaborations with agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), embassies and foreign agencies as facilitators for local industry players. He said the long-term goal is to produce more successors to international industry figures such as Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding, as well as behind-the-scene professionals. Advertisement Among the local talents currently stealing attention abroad is young actor Irfan Zaini who has the opportunity to star in a film in India with the country's famous star, Vijay, thus making him one of Malaysia's new faces on the global stage. Irfan, who was previously active on the local screen, described cross-country collaborations as the best space to gain experience and bring Malaysia's name to a higher level in the film world. Advertisement Commenting on the development, Hans described Irfan's success as a tribute to the industry and a testament to the abilities of local people if given the opportunity and support. "I hope Irfan will take this opportunity to bring glory to the country's creative industry and be an example to other industry players. Finas is very proud of his achievements," he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
FINAS boosts local talents for global film industry success
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) is intensifying efforts to elevate local talents onto the global stage through strategic funding, international festival participation, and cross-agency partnerships. FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac (pic) highlighted the growing recognition of Malaysian actors abroad, emphasising the need for structured support to further develop the country's creative industry. 'FINAS is very proud and fully supports the success of local production companies and individual talents who have succeeded in penetrating the international market,' he said. Key initiatives include the Creative Content Fund (DKK), Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), and international market participation funds. FINAS also facilitates global exposure by collaborating with festivals like Cannes and Berlinale, alongside partnerships with MITI and foreign embassies. Young actor Irfan Zaini, now starring in a Tamil film alongside Kollywood star Vijay, exemplifies this push. 'Cross-country collaborations are the best space to gain experience and bring Malaysia's name to a higher level,' Irfan said. Hans praised Irfan's success as proof of local talent's potential. 'I hope Irfan will take this opportunity to bring glory to the country's creative industry,' he added. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
FINAS Committed To Take Local Talents To International Stage
By Mohd Afiq Zulkifli KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) is committed to boosting the presence of local talents and works at the international level through various strategic initiatives, including support funds, participation in world film festivals and cross-government agency collaboration. FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the achievements of local actors in the foreign film industry are gaining prominence and need to be supported comprehensively to become a catalyst for the development of the country's creative industry. "FINAS is very proud and fully supports the success of local production companies and individual talents who have succeeded in penetrating the international market. This success proves that our creative industry can be accepted and compete at the international level," he told Bernama. He said among the main initiatives provided by FINAS are the Creative Content Fund (DKK), Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), human capital development funds and international market participation funds, as well as promotions and facilities for high-potential works. Hans said FINAS also provides international synergy routes through participation in major world film festivals and markets such as Cannes, Berlinale and Busan, as well as establishing collaborations with agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), embassies and foreign agencies as facilitators for local industry players. He said the long-term goal is to produce more successors to international industry figures such as Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding, as well as behind-the-scene professionals. Among the local talents currently stealing attention abroad is young actor Irfan Zaini who has the opportunity to star in a film in India with the country's famous star, Vijay, thus making him one of Malaysia's new faces on the global stage. Irfan, who was previously active on the local screen, described cross-country collaborations as the best space to gain experience and bring Malaysia's name to a higher level in the film world.
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Malaysia Strengthens Position As Regional Filming Hub Through FIMI
By Norhidayyu Zainal KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continues to cement its status as a leading regional hub for film production, successfully attracting foreign creative investments through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which is creating jobs and upskilling the local workforce. National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib revealed that among the latest international productions to benefit from FIMI is the upcoming television series Lord of the Flies, produced by Sony Pictures and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The series was filmed in Langkawi, Kedah, at the end of last year. 'The production brought in more than 30 child actors from overseas, accompanied by parents and tutors, and rented a major hotel in Langkawi for nearly five months. 'In accordance with FIMI's requirements, the production also employed a significant number of local crew members,' he told Bernama in a recent interview. He said the initiative was made possible through a partnership between FINAS and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which provided basic film production courses to workers from the tourism sector. To further enhance local participation, Azmir announced that, starting next year, the minimum quota for local crew involvement in foreign productions will increase from 30 to 40 per cent. 'This move will not only create more job opportunities for Malaysians, but also accelerate skills development by exposing local talent to international production standards,' he remarked.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysia strengthens position as regional filming hub through FIMI
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia continues to cement its status as a leading regional hub for film production, successfully attracting foreign creative investments through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which is creating jobs and upskilling the local workforce. National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib revealed that among the latest international productions to benefit from FIMI is the upcoming television series Lord of the Flies, produced by Sony Pictures and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The series was filmed in Langkawi, Kedah, at the end of last year. 'The production brought in more than 30 child actors from overseas, accompanied by parents and tutors, and rented a major hotel in Langkawi for nearly five months. 'In accordance with FIMI's requirements, the production also employed a significant number of local crew members,' he told Bernama in a recent interview. He said the initiative was made possible through a partnership between FINAS and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), which provided basic film production courses to workers from the tourism sector. To further enhance local participation, Azmir announced that, starting next year, the minimum quota for local crew involvement in foreign productions will increase from 30 to 40 per cent. 'This move will not only create more job opportunities for Malaysians, but also accelerate skills development by exposing local talent to international production standards,' he remarked. Since the introduction of FIMI in 2013, a total of 128 productions have been approved, including 76 local and 52 international projects, with over RM419 million in rebates disbursed and direct investments totalling RM2.71 billion. Despite regional competition from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Azmir remains confident in Malaysia's unique advantages. 'A skilled English-speaking workforce, economic stability, and an efficient permit approval process via the Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes (PUSPAL) are among the valued-added factors for the country being the preferred filming destination. 'Malaysia offers attractive locations, cost-efficiency, and a production-friendly environment. More importantly, we are building a complete ecosystem - from talent training and modern tech usage to post-production,' he said. To amplify FIMI's global visibility, Azmir said FINAS is also preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tourism Malaysia, which, among others, aims to position film not just as an entertainment product but also as a tourism promotion tool. 'This partnership will promote Malaysia as a filming destination while showcasing our tourism offerings to global audiences through movies shot here. 'Upcoming efforts include organising a Malaysia Film Week overseas, with one slated to be held in Beijing this August, led by FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac,' he said. Azmir said FINAS is also expanding international cooperation, including recent initiatives with China in conjunction with the Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to Malaysia last month. Similar talks are underway with India and Indonesia. 'Our vision is for Malaysia to evolve into a regional hub not only for filming locations but also for film education and technology in the next five years. 'We want Malaysian crew to go international, local post-production companies to create content for Southeast Asia markets, and more local universities to become professional training centres for the
