Latest news with #Finas
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM7.43mil Creative Content Fund powers 42 Sabah, Sarawak projects
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 42 Creative Content Fund (DKK) applications from production companies in Sabah and Sarawak, worth RM7.43 million, have been approved from 2022 up to this month, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the approved applications spanned various categories, including feature and short films, documentaries, marketing, scriptwriting, and post-production, creating over 1,245 jobs. "As of this month, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has also received 36 applications for the Borneo TV Programme Fund and 24 for the Post-Production Fund. All applications are evaluated transparently and with integrity by a committee comprising professional panellists and ministry representatives," he said. He was speaking at the presentation of Creative Content Fund letters of acceptance to Sabah's creative industry players here last night. Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Information Department director-general Julina Johan. Fahmi further said that under the DKK, 14 local production companies have been offered the Borneo TV Programme Fund, including six from Sabah. He said the six Sabah companies received approvals amounting to RM1.15 million, with over 200 new jobs expected to be created. "As for the Post-Production Fund, nine companies received offers, one of which is from Sabah. For Sabah, one project was approved with a value of nearly RM240,000, adding value to the post-filming process," he said. He added that the total amount approved for the seven Sabah companies under the Borneo TV Programme Fund and the Post-Production Fund stood at RM1.39 million. Fahmi said various success stories have emerged through government grants and incentives, including the film Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, which grossed RM73.6 million, Bleat! which made a mark at Cannes, and most recently Ejen Ali The Movie 2, which opened in Indonesia with over 200,000 viewers in its first week. Fahmi added that the Communications Ministry, through Finas, has agreed to collaborate with Borneo TV via the Borneo TV Programme Fund, with content produced by recipients to also be aired on the Borneo TV platform. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the DKK has opened up vast opportunities for the people of Sabah to showcase their stories, culture, and heritage through various mediums such as films, documentaries, and television programmes. "Sabah possesses extraordinary sociocultural diversity – with more than 30 ethnic groups and over 200 sub-ethnicities. This makes the state one of the richest regions in terms of oral, visual, and narrative culture, which deserves attention as a source of authentic content," he said. He added that Sabah's natural beauty gives it a distinct advantage when translated into creative content capable of attracting both local and international audiences. The text of his speech was read out by Nizam. - BERNAMA
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
42 Creative Content Fund Applications Worth RM7.43 Million Approved For Sabah, Sarawak
GENERAL KOTA KINABALU, July 22 (Bernama) -- A total of 42 Creative Content Fund (DKK) applications from production companies in Sabah and Sarawak, worth RM7.43 million, have been approved from 2022 up to this month, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He said the approved applications covered various categories, including feature and short films, documentaries, marketing, scriptwriting and post-production, creating over 1,245 jobs. 'As of this month, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has also received 36 applications for the Borneo TV Programme Fund and 24 for the Post-Production Fund. All applications are evaluated transparently and with integrity by a committee comprising professional panellists and ministry representatives,' he said. He was speaking at the presentation of Creative Content Fund letters of acceptance to Sabah's creative industry players in Sabah here tonight. Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Information Department director-general Julina Johan. Fahmi further said that under the DKK, 14 local production companies have been offered the Borneo TV Programme Fund, including six from Sabah. He said the six Sabah companies received approvals amounting to RM1.15 million, expected to create over 200 new jobs. 'As for the Post-Production Fund, nine companies received offers, one of which is from Sabah. For Sabah, one project was approved with a value of nearly RM240,000, adding value to the post-filming process,' he said. He added that the total amount approved for the seven Sabah companies under the Borneo TV Programme Fund and the Post-Production Fund stood at RM1.39 million.
Daily Express
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Sabah creatives question Finas involvement with Borneo.TV
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 Text Size: Chester (seated middle) and Atama (second right) with other Sabah film industry creatives KOTA KINABALU: News that the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) may host an official programme at office in Kota Kinabalu has sparked concern among Sabah's creative community, given the platform is not locally owned. Sabah Creative Industry Action Committee (Jatiks) spokesperson Andrew Ambrose (Atama) urged Finas to avoid entanglement in the ongoing controversy, which has triggered two police reports over an article deemed insulting to Sabah creatives portraying them as insular, overly sensitive, and "playing the victim." He said they are awaiting a decision from the Sabah Native Court on whether the case qualifies for hearing under customary law. The move by Finas has drawn public backlash online. Facebook user Ramli Carlo questioned the inclusivity of the event, while Rodie Sofazr expressed suspicion over sudden presence in Sabah's creative space. Sabah Film and Visual Association (Safva) President Chester Pang said he was disappointed upon learning the programme would be held at premises, and has raised the matter directly with Finas CEO Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib. Chester stressed that Finas must now decide whether to support Sabah creatives, back an external platform, or remain neutral. While aware of a possible protest, he urged calm and respect for the attending Communications Minister and Sabah Chief Minister, assuring that Safva would seek clarification through upcoming meetings with the SMJ Secretariat. The episode highlights rising tension between local creators and perceived external influence. Sabah creatives are calling for recognition, consultation, and inclusion in decisions shaping their industry. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Forward-thinking move for FFM34
THE 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM34) is making history with the introduction of a new category: the Best Stunt Performance Award. This marks a significant step in recognising the courageous and dedicated individuals who bring Malaysia's action film scenes to life. Deputy Communicatons Minister Teo Nie Ching announced the new category at a press conference recently held at the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) in Hulu Kelang, Selangor. "The Best Stunt Performance award is dedicated to the people who often remain behind the scenes but play a crucial role in the success of high-risk scenes. "Their courage, discipline, and professionalism deserve recognition and celebration." Teo emphasised that the decision to introduce this category stems from a noticeable rise in local action film production, reflecting the growing strength and maturity of Malaysia's film industry. "The recent surge in action film production shows that our industry is not only advancing technically but also winning over audiences. "The increasing popularity and viewership of local action and horror films prove their rising quality," she added. According to Teo, the award will shine a spotlight on stunt performers, technical teams, and behind-the-scenes crew, whose efforts and risks breathe life into some of cinema's most thrilling scenes. "This category was created to honour the incredible spirit and professionalism of stunt actors and the technical teams who work tirelessly, often at great physical risk, to bring dynamic and complex scenes to the screen. "Their contributions are invaluable and should not go unnoticed," she said. The winner of the award will receive a special trophy and a RM5,000 cash prize as a token of appreciation for outstanding dedication and contribution to the Malaysian film industry. FFM34 director Raja Mohammad Adhzim Raja Ahmad also shared that a total of 30 categories will be contested at this year's festival, covering a wide spectrum of cinematic achievements. "Entries eligible for this year are local productions released between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025." FFM34 will be held on Nov 8 at Auditorium Seri Angkasa in Kota Media Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur, and will be broadcast live nationwide. The festival is organised by Finas, in collaboration with the Communications Ministry, and continues to serve as the most prestigious platform for honouring cinematic excellence in Malaysia. This year's edition carries the theme, "Creative Works, Dynamic Cinema", chosen to reflect the evolving landscape of Malaysian storytelling and the bold steps filmmakers are taking to push boundaries and embrace innovation. "This year's theme represents cinema as a mirror to modern society, one that keeps pace with technological development and social realities," said Raja Mohammad Adhzim. "It celebrates the dynamism of our film industry and the creative bravery of those who dare to explore new frontiers in storytelling." The 2025 edition of FFM is expected to feature over 60 Malaysian films, underscoring the resilience, commitment, and creative momentum of the country's film industry, which continues to thrive despite the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adding further prestige to the event, FFM34 will include notable special awards, such as the Box Office Film Special Award, the Special Jury Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, all of which honour extraordinary contributions and long-standing service to the local film scene. According to FFM34 organisers, as of June 30, the performance of the Malaysian film industry continues to be highly encouraging. A total of 39 local films have been screened across cinemas nationwide, amassing a combined box office revenue of RM162.89 million. This is a notable increase compared with the RM125.28 million collected in 2024. This surge reflects not only the public's growing interest in locally produced content but also the industry's strengthening infrastructure, creative ambition, and technical expertise — all key to positioning Malaysia as a major player in the global cinematic landscape. With the introduction of the Best Stunt Performance Award, FFM34 solidifies its role as a forward-thinking festival that continues to evolve in recognising the full spectrum of artistic and technical excellence in Malaysian cinema.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Asian Film Alliance Network partners with Asean Film & TV Summit 2025 to bridge Asian, European film sectors
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — The Asian Film Alliance Network (AFAN) has announced a partnership with the Asean Film & TV Summit 2025 (AFTS), aiming to bridge Asian and European film industries. The summit, organised by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) alongside Malaysia's Chairmanship of Asean 2025, will run from July 22 to 25 in Kuala Lumpur. This collaboration marks an expansion of AFAN's initiatives outside its traditional events at Cannes and Busan, bringing AFAN Roundtable and AFAN Spotlight to Southeast Asia. The events, aimed at fostering collaboration, will feature discussions on vital issues impacting the Asian audiovisual sector. Commenting on the initiative, AFAN's secretary general Lorna Tee said the regional exchange of information has led to connections that solidify Asian identity, strengthening the region's film and TV ecosystem. This initiative is supported by AFAN's partnerships with the European Film Agency Directors Association (EFAD) and the French Foreign Affairs Ministry. Delegates from across Asia and Europe, including film agency leaders from Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines, will converge in Kuala Lumpur. Notable participants include Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the Korean Film Council international relationships leader Kim Young-gu and Taiwan's Creative Content Agency deputy chief executive officer Alice Chang. With AFAN's influential members and partners such as Sevara Irgacheva of EFAD and Aurélie Champagne from the French National Centre of Cinema participating, the AFTS 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for enhancing bilateral ties between Asian and European film sectors.
