Latest news with #FINAS
Barnama
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
ASEAN Film Leaders Call For MoU To Boost Regional Co-Productions, Crew Mobility
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 -- Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching during the Opening Ceremony ASEAN Film & TV Summit here today. Also present National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Film industry leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia have called for a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) among ASEAN countries to strengthen regional co-productions, enhance content distribution and ease film crew mobility. Indonesian Film Board secretary-general Judith J. Dipodiputro said ASEAN has strong potential for regional collaboration due to its youthful population, cultural proximity and low trade barriers under the ASEAN Economic Community. 'This is not a challenge, it's a massive opportunity. We also speak the same cultural language and we understand each other's expressions and values,' she said at the Beyond Borders: Funding Pathways and Development Strategies by ASEAN Film Agencies during the ASEAN Film and TV Summit 2025, held in conjunction with the Eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) here today. Judith highlighted that ASEAN's 680 million population - including 40 million aged 15 to 17 and 176 million aged below 14 - represents a growing audience for culturally rooted regional storytelling, citing the success of Upin & Ipin and ASEAN horror films. 'It's time to speak to our neighbours - and then to the world,' she said, urging the region to move beyond national markets. National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib echoed the call for a formal ASEAN-wide MoU or treaty to encourage broadcasters to prioritise ASEAN-made content. He also proposed streamlined visa processes to facilitate cross-border film production and crew mobility. Huoy Socheat, deputy director of the Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department at Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said the MoU would help overcome distribution barriers among ASEAN countries. He added that Cambodia is actively promoting cinema tourism by offering filming incentives, logistical support and short-term visa facilities to attract international productions.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Malaysia proposes 3 ASEAN creative industry initiatives for 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has unveiled three major initiatives to enhance ASEAN's creative industry under its 2025 chairmanship, focusing on co-productions, sustainability, and youth engagement. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced the plans at the ASEAN Film and TV Summit 2025, held alongside the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). The proposals include the ASEAN Co-Production Roundtable, a Green Filming and Sustainability Framework, and Youth Story Labs. Teo emphasised these efforts aim to foster inclusive storytelling and regional collaboration. 'We hope to initiate three key areas of collaboration to make ASEAN's creative sector more dynamic and people-centred,' she said. Malaysia's Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) was highlighted as a success, attracting RM2.71 billion in direct investments since 2013 through 128 projects. Notable productions include Sony Pictures' Lord of the Flies series and local hits like Ejen Ali: The Movie 2, which earned RM59 million globally. Organised by FINAS, MIFFest, and AFAN, the summit serves as a platform for policymakers and creators to discuss co-production opportunities. 'Shared stories will connect and inspire ASEAN,' Teo added. The event concludes on July 26 with the Malaysia Golden Global Awards, honouring regional and international filmmakers. – Bernama
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fund to strengthen Sabah creative industry
Fahmi (centre) and Nizam (sixth from right) with the recipients of the Creative Content Fund. KOTA KINABALU (July 22): Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil handed over the letters of acceptance for the Creative Content Fund in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. The ceremony, which was also witnessed by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, symbolises the commitment of the MADANI Government through the Communications Ministry and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) in supporting the development of the local creative content industry, particularly in Borneo. A total of six production companies from Sabah received offer letters under the Programme Fund, amounting to RM1.15 million, specifically for the production of high-quality super-telefilms in the national language or local ethnic languages. They are D Smart Borneoans Production Sdn Bhd, Empayar Biru (M) Sdn Bhd, Nautica Production Sdn Bhd, Dreamer Visual Sdn Bhd, Del Teraju Sdn Bhd, ONTV Production Sdn Bhd and Telan Bulan Sdn Bhd. This programme aims to enhance local broadcast content and drive strategic collaborations between industry players and broadcasters such as Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and private media outlets. The event also saw the awarding of a Post-Production Fund worth nearly RM240,000 to a Sabah-based production company, aimed at strengthening technical aspects of post-filming such as visual effects, colour grading, and Dolby Atmos. The handover of these letters of acceptance demonstrates the MADANI Government's determination, through the Communications Ministry, to support artists and creators across the nation in line with the aspiration to position Malaysia as a regional hub for creative content. Also present were the Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi bin Md Isa; FINAS Chairman Dato' Hans Isaac; FINAS Chief Executive Officer Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib; and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Izelan Basar.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
FINAS urged to rethink Borneo.TV Collaboration amid industry backlash
JATIKS committee members. KOTA KINABALU (July 22): News that the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) is planning to hold an official programme at has sparked controversy and speculation within Sabah's creative industry circles. The issue has drawn concern from local industry players, as is not a platform fully owned by Sabahans, raising questions about inclusivity and representation. Spokesperson for the Sabah Creative Industry Action Committee (JATIKS), Andrew Ambrose, better known as Atama, has urged FINAS to steer clear of any controversy surrounding the platform. is currently facing two police reports over an article alleged to have insulted Sabah's creative community. The article in question reportedly portrayed Sabah's creative practitioners as 'living under a coconut shell,' overly parochial, obsessed with their own opinions and often playing the 'victim card.' Atama said the community is now awaiting a decision from the Sabah Native Court, which will determine whether the case falls under the state's customary law jurisdiction. The revelation that FINAS intends to host an official programme at office at Oceanus, Kota Kinabalu, has added fuel to the fire, intensifying unease among Sabah's creative community. Many in the industry, as well as social media users, have questioned the rationale behind choosing the venue. A Facebook user, Ramli Carlo, asked whether the programme is genuinely designed to be inclusive of Sabahans or if it is being influenced by external interests. Another user, Rodie Sofazr, expressed surprise at what he described as sudden emergence in Sabah's creative ecosystem. President of the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA), Chester Pang, also voiced disappointment upon learning that the event will be held at premises. He has personally raised the matter with FINAS CEO, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib. Chester said it is now up to FINAS to decide whether to side with local creative practitioners, support external platforms, or remain neutral. Commenting on talk of a planned protest during the night of the event, Chester advised against any public demonstration. He stressed the importance of respecting the presence of the Minister of Communications and the Sabah Chief Minister at the same event, to protect the image and perception of Sabah's creative industry. Chester added that SAFVA will seek further clarification after meeting with the SMJ Secretariat and the Chief Minister in the near future. The situation highlights growing tension between Sabah's creative community and external entities perceived as lacking sensitivity to local context. Industry players in Sabah are calling for their voices to be acknowledged and for meaningful involvement in decisions that shape the state's creative future.
The Sun
4 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
