Latest news with #AzmirSaifuddinMutalib
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Young filmmakers elevate local Tamil cinema quality, says FINAS
KUALA LUMPUR: Young filmmakers shifting from digital platforms to cinema are significantly improving the quality of local Tamil films, according to the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS). Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, FINAS chief executive officer, noted that these emerging talents bring fresh, high-quality storytelling to the industry. 'The film I watched recently, Mirugasirisham, showcases the kind of quality often seen in works by first-time filmmakers. These are people who started out creating content for social media and YouTube, and now they're making films - and the results are truly impressive,' he told Bernama. Azmir praised the film's strong narrative, direction, and performances, comparing its quality to Tamil films from India. However, he pointed out that limited promotion has hindered its reach. 'Many of our viewers still believe that watching local films in cinemas isn't worth it. But they should come out and support these screenings, because the quality of our local productions is now truly comparable,' he said. FINAS remains committed to supporting all local filmmakers, regardless of language or genre. Azmir cited the success of C4 Cinta, which earned over RM2.5 million last year, as proof of growing audience acceptance. Meanwhile, Mirugasirisham producer Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan acknowledged the film's critical acclaim but lamented its underwhelming box office performance. 'Every Malaysian who has watched the film, whether Indian or from other communities, has given glowing reviews, particularly for its storytelling and technical aspects,' he said. Sai stressed the need for stronger box office numbers to attract investors and sustain the industry's growth.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Finas proposes extending viewer count period for local films to four days
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has proposed extending the period for calculating viewer numbers to determine eligibility for full screenings of local films under the Compulsory Screening Scheme from three days to four. Its chief executive officer Datuk 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. 'Many are still confused about the scheme. Despite being called a 14-day mandatory screening, it is subject to two main conditions, the film must record at least 15 per cent audience turnout in the first three days and reach 30 per cent of total viewers to remain in the main cinema location. 'So we propose that the 15 per cent calculation be extended to four days, from Thursday to Sunday, as viewer numbers are usually higher over the weekend,' he said when appearing as a guest on Bernama TV's Apa Khabar Malaysia programme today. He said the Compulsory Screening Scheme was the only mechanism of its kind in the world, introduced to protect local films from competing with international titles, unlike countries such as China and South Korea, which implemented quota systems. Meanwhile, Azmir Saifuddin reminded producers to submit their applications at least three months before the screening date to allow the evaluation committee to arrange the schedule in an orderly manner. 'We at Finas will also be more proactive in sharing information on the annual screening schedule so that producers can plan the best dates and locations,' he said. According to him, one of the main challenges in implementing the scheme was the change in viewing habits after the COVID-19 pandemic, as audiences had become more selective and were less inclined to watch films in cinemas. 'Previously, audiences would go to the cinema three or four times a month, but now it may only be once. So the challenge is how producers plan their screening dates and locations,' he said. As additional support, Azmir Saifuddin said Finas also shared data on viewing trends, including the most popular genres and locations based on current statistics. 'For example, Malay-language horror films may be more popular in areas like Wangsa Maju or Hulu Klang, while Tamil films have their own target locations,' he said. Meanwhile, Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac, who also appeared as a guest on the programme, emphasised that priority should be given to selecting strategic screening slots to ensure local films have a fair chance of attracting cinema audiences. 'When I was a producer, I also wanted to know the screening time. If it was scheduled at 10 am or during prayer time, who would come to watch a Malay film? he said. He also suggested that producers appoint experienced distribution and marketing companies, rather than handling everything on their own merely to reduce costs. 'Investment in marketing also plays a key role in the success of a film,' he said.
Malaysiakini
17-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Finas proposes extending local films' viewer count period to 4 days
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has proposed extending the period for calculating viewer numbers to determine eligibility for full screenings of local films under the Compulsory Screening Scheme from three days to four. 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.
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
