Finas proposes extending local films' viewer count period to 4 days
Its chief executive officer, Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, said the proposal was among the improvements in the amendment to the Finas Act 1981 to ensure fairer opportunities for local producers.
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The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Comms Ministry slashes red tape for foreign film script approvals
PUTRAJAYA: The Communications Ministry has successfully reduced the script approval processing time for international film production companies from 30 days to just seven. This marks a significant step in bureaucratic reform, said Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (pic) . Speaking at his weekly press conference on Thursday (June 26), Fahmi said the achievement is particularly noteworthy for the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), as it addresses a critical need for thorough script reviews for foreign film shoots in Malaysia. "Several other agencies under the ministry have also undergone reform to reduce red tape. "For instance, Puspal (Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes) previously took a much longer time to process applications. "However, following the launch of Puspal Guidelines 6.0 in April, many processes have been streamlined, especially in organising concerts and managing film productions involving foreign artistes and companies,' he said. He also said the ministry is committed to intensifying reform efforts across its agencies and statutory bodies, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The ministry is among three recognised for successfully implementing bureaucratic reform, receiving a special commendation for its achievements. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar even noted that the ministry's efforts have improved the efficiency of foreign script approvals, reducing processing time from 30 days to seven. This, he said, resulted in regulatory cost savings of up to RM2.4mil per production, elevating Malaysia's competitiveness as a preferred international filming destination. Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa received the special certificate of appreciation from Shamsul Azri at a ceremony in Putrajaya on Tuesday (June 24). The Housing and Local Government Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry were also recognised for their achievements in cutting red tape. – Bernama
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hans Isaac: Finas to consider ending 'open door policy' for foreign films
KUALA LUMPUR: Following the disappointing box office performance of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga in Indonesia, despite it being Malaysia's highest-grossing film of 2025, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) is considering ending its 'open door policy' towards international films. Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, 53, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of reciprocity in how Malaysian films are treated abroad, particularly in Indonesia. "I'm saying this not just as Finas chairman but also as a filmmaker. We open all doors for them to screen their films in Malaysia," he told reporters when met recently. "However, when we take our films abroad, although they grant us entry, the process, marketing, and structural hurdles are extremely challenging." "For example, in Indonesia, they complicate the situation, whereas here in Malaysia, we have always made it very easy," he added. Hans further said that if foreign countries make it difficult for Malaysian films to penetrate their markets, Malaysia should impose the same conditions on them. "If they offer five slots, we'll offer five. If they give ten, we'll give ten. It has to be on a first-come, first-served basis." "We can't reserve special slots for anyone. This is similar to the Mandatory Screening Scheme, which may also be considered for foreign films. However, implementing this will require processes, proposals, and a thorough review," he explained. To further promote local films on the global stage, Finas plans to launch a major initiative around September or October. "Finas will serve as a bridge between countries. We'll help film producers tap into larger markets, even beyond Indonesia," Hans added. "Let's just put it that way for now. If Blood Brothers failed in Indonesia in terms of earnings, I'll prove that their audience was wrong. Finas will take the film to bigger markets elsewhere. Discussions are already underway." It was previously reported that Blood Brothers, which grossed RM76 million at the box office in Malaysia, was screened in only 40 cinemas in Indonesia. Its director, Syafiq Yusof, also revealed that fewer than five Malaysian films were screened in Indonesia in 2024, whereas over 100 Indonesian films entered the Malaysian market with ease.
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Hans Isaac: Finas to focus on new Act's implementation
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation (Finas) is currently focused on implementing the new Finas Act, which introduces updated guidelines for managing the creative industry. Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, said that the Act is set to be fully in force by the third quarter of the year. "The new Finas Act is going to be the 'big ticket' or 'key' for us to implement. In the past, only minor changes were made to the Act, but this time, it's a complete overhaul," he said. Hans also mentioned that Finas will announce a new national film policy, which will outline the industry's direction for the next ten years. "We'll also be relocating our Finas office from Petaling Jaya to a new, more spacious facility that can accommodate the latest film technology," he added. Furthermore, Hans noted that Finas plans to collaborate closely with all creative industry practitioners to facilitate the digitalisation of films. The original Finas Act, established in 1981, was last amended in 2013, and the new Act is now in its final stages of preparation.
