Latest news with #Finas
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Fahmi congratulates TV3, Finas on anniversaries and contributions to country's media industry
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today extended his wishes to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) on its 44th anniversary. "For over four decades, Finas has uplifted the local creative industry – from the silver screen to the digital platform. "Thank you for your unwavering commitment to elevating the arts, culture and voices of Malaysians through local films and content. "May Finas continue to be a pillar of strength in nurturing talent, expanding market reach and propelling our film industry to the global stage," he said in a Facebook post. Fahmi also congratulated TV3 on its 41st anniversary, noting its enduring presence in the lives of Malaysians. "For 41 years, TV3 has been part of our lives – delivering news, entertainment, drama and quality programming that shaped memories across generations. "Thank you for your dedication in providing informative and entertaining content that educates and unites us all. "Wishing you continued success, relevance and resonance with the public," he said.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival showcases diverse cinematic talents
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular Malaysian films Guang, directed by Quek Shio Chuan, and Sepet, by the late Yasmin Ahmad, are among the country's cinematic representatives at the Second China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival, running from June 5 to 8. A total of six Chinese and three Malaysian movies will be screened in conjunction with the festival at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, and GSC Gurney Plaza in George Town, Penang. The Chinese film lineup includes The Goddess (1934), Hong Kong's It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World (1987), Creation Of The Gods 1: Kingdom Of Storms (2023), Creation Of The Gods 2: Demon Force (2025), Honey Money Phony (2024), and A Place Called Silence (2024). The other Malaysian film is Blooms Of Happiness (2025), directed by Ryon Lee. The festival, organised by Lomo Pictures Sdn Bhd with support from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), GSC International Screens, and the China Film Archive, was officially launched today by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. Also present at the event were Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the festival's organiser Aron Koh, its head of exhibition Pan Vui Shang, and China Film Archive director Li Tao. Koh highlighted that this year's festival brings together a compelling lineup of cinematic works from Malaysia and China, ranging from restored heritage films and contemporary hits to forums exploring the intersection of cinema with extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI). "This year's festival offers audiences an immersive cultural exchange through the universal language of film," he said. Koh added, "This festival offers a unique platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and young enthusiasts from both countries to share their passion and perspectives. Through dialogue and collaboration, it highlights the power of cinema to celebrate diversity and bridge cultures." Teo emphasised the festival's broader significance, saying, "The festival is more than a celebration of cinema; it is a growing platform for deepening cooperation and joint creation between our two countries. With our shared cultural affinity and minimal language barriers, we see greater potential for co-productions across film, animation, and new technologies." Koh noted that this year's festival marks a first for China's newly restored 1934 silent classic, The Goddess, starring Ruan Lingyu, a defining work in Chinese film history. "As for the Malaysian films, they represent heartfelt storytelling rooted in local culture, offering audiences a rich view of Malaysia's cinematic voice," he added. The festival also features special industry programmes, including a forum on AI and filmmaking, as well as an acting workshop led by renowned Hong Kong director Clifton Ko. Lomo Pictures also announced a long-term strategic partnership with Beijing Tianying Holdings Group, with plans to co-develop the first-ever XR co-production between China and Malaysia. "This marks a new chapter in transnational film-tech collaboration, underlining Malaysia's growing relevance on the global creative stage," Koh said. He added that following its Malaysian chapter, the festival will travel to Xi'an, China, further expanding the conversation and cultural bridge across borders. Hans affirmed that film unites people across countries, and Malaysia is ready to share its cinematic treasures with other nations while also getting acquainted with state-of-the-art developments in Chinese cinema.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Malaysia, Indonesia partner to boost film industries globally
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.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Malaysia-HK firms team up to produce films for global stage
THE National Film Development Corporation (Finas) has lauded the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between prominent producers Skop Productions (Malaysia) and Mandarin Motion Pictures (Hong Kong) as a significant stride towards bolstering regional film collaboration. This MoU stems from the Malaysian delegation's participation in the Hong Kong Filmart last March, spearheaded by Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib. The initiative has paved the way for a joint production agreement aimed at creating new, internationally acclaimed cinematic works. Azmir emphasised the importance of this collaboration, saying that it "not only acts as a catalyst for stronger ties between the Malaysian and Hong Kong film industries, but also marks the first joint film endeavour following the official visit of the Chinese president to Malaysia last month". "This also serves to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations through cultural diplomacy," he added. Azmir also highlighted the significant investment support from Chinese government-linked entities, such as Bauhinia Cultural Group and Sil-Metropole Organisation. "This reflects the confidence of international investors in Malaysia's creative potential and the quality of our productions. "This strategic partnership will greatly benefit Malaysia's film industry ecosystem by facilitating market expansion, technology and skills transfer and positioning Malaysia as a premier global filming destination," he said in a recent Berita Harian report. Azmir said the project was supported by the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which offered a 30 per cent rebate for film and television productions filming within the country. "This collaboration aligns with the aspirations of the Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, private sector investment and sustainable film financing for the growth of our national creative industry, ensuring it's not reliant on government funding. "Finas is confident that through the combined efforts of various stakeholders, Malaysia will continue to confidently and qualitatively make its mark on the global stage," he said.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Call for better recognition of Malaysian film crews
KUALA LUMPUR: The Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia (Profima) is urging greater recognition and better treatment for behind-the-scenes crew, emphasising their crucial role as the backbone of the country's thriving film industry. Profima president Khalil Saleh highlighted the significant contributions of these workers to the success of high-grossing local films like "Blood Brothers: Bara Naga", "Keluang Man", "Gayong", and "The Original Gangster", stating that these achievements wouldn't have been possible without their dedicated efforts. "We are incredibly proud of the rising quality and strong reception of our local films. "However, it's vital to remember that every emotional beat, action sequence, and set design meeting the director's vision, along with production management and location logistics, are all the result of professional and dedicated film crews," he told BH Online. Therefore, Profima is advocating for improved recognition of these film crews, not just through moral appreciation but also in terms of protection, welfare, and fair, professional-level wages. Khalil said: "Crew members also deserve training opportunities, upskilling initiatives, and bonus payments when films achieve unexpected box office success. Furthermore, ensuring safety in filming locations is paramount. "Our vision is a fair and sustainable filmmaking ecosystem where behind-the-scenes workers are afforded their rights and the opportunity to grow," he added. "If we want our industry to continue its upward trajectory, we must look after the very foundation of production – our film crews." Khalil pointed out that producers who consistently find success are those who prioritise the welfare and rights of their film workers. He also acknowledged the efforts of the National Film Development Corporation (Finas). "While current initiatives for the workers might be limited, as Finas primarily focuses on licensing and regulating filming activities in Malaysia, their role is still appreciated." He also raised the importance of examining regulations concerning overseas productions, particularly entry procedures, double taxation, and strict processes that can deter foreign filmmakers from working in Malaysia. "Addressing these issues is crucial for creating job opportunities and providing our film crews with valuable learning experiences alongside international productions." Khalil extended his "highest appreciation and congratulations to all Malaysian film crews for their dedication and hard work in transforming the filmmaking landscape, evidenced by the continued audience support for various feature films in cinemas since the post Covid-19 pandemic."
