Latest news with #NationalFilmDevelopmentCorporationMalaysia
Barnama
22-07-2025
- 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.
Barnama
18-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Proposed FINAS Act Amendment Aligns With Technological Advancements
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The proposed amendment to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act 1981 was among the matters discussed during a meeting held yesterday between Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, his deputy Teo Nie Ching, and FINAS members. In a Facebook post tonight, Teo said the proposed amendment to the Act was an important step to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape and current trends in digital content production. 'With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that the country's creative industry can grow in a more rapid, inclusive and sustainable manner.
The Star
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Film on 1992 Thomas Cup victory coming to a cinema near you
Datuk Rashid Sidek (right) and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit - who were key players in the squad at the time – are appointed as production advisers. Photo: Bernama Over three decades after a defining moment in Malaysian sports history, the national men's badminton team's triumphant 1992 Thomas Cup victory is set to hit the silver screen. The film, titled Sentuhan Wira (Touch Of A Hero), was officially launched by producer Victory Pictures Sdn Bhd on July 3, in conjunction with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the relevant parties, witnessed by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Chairman, Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac. Under the MoU, two national badminton legends - Datuk Rashid Sidek and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit - who were key players in the squad at the time, were appointed as production advisers. They are also directly involved in the script development to ensure factual accuracy and to convey the true spirit of the team's journey to the audience. Rashid said the film is not just about badminton, but a cinematic piece that reflects struggle, belief and national pride as Malaysians. He also described the film's production as an important platform to share the experiences of former players with the younger generation, while highlighting the spirit of unity that existed within the national team at the time. "We want the current generation to feel what we experienced as players and to witness the unity and strong patriotic spirit among us. Even though we came from different races, we still succeeded together for one purpose,' he told reporters after the MoU signing. "Yes, it's been a long time - 33 years without winning the Thomas Cup. So, with the release of this film, we hope it can boost the spirit of our current players to become more motivated. "What's more important is the spirit of patriotism, not individual glory, but the collective drive to bring honour to the nation,' he said, adding that back then, they placed national pride above personal interests. Meanwhile, Sentuhan Wira director Lenny Ooi said he will present an action-directed style, with filming that emphasises realism in the training and match scenes. "The actors selected must also be able to play badminton; otherwise, their movements will look stiff,' he said. He added that filming is expected to begin at the end of this year and the movie is slated for release in early 2027. – Bernama
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Upin & Ipin Universe game marks milestone in Malaysia's rise as regional hub for animation and gaming
For nearly two decades, the Malaysian cartoon Upin & Ipin has entertained and inspired audiences with its cheeky adventures and meaningful messages about friendship, respect, and community. Now, the launch of the Upin & Ipin Universe game marks the next chapter in the brand's evolution—from a beloved animated series to a fully interactive digital world. Speaking at the launch in Kuala Lumpur, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the project is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define Malaysia's journey to becoming a regional hub for animation and gaming. 'This transition marks a significant step for Malaysian animation intellectual properties as they cross over into games. It also places Malaysia firmly within the global digital content economy,' he said. Among those present were Les' Copaque Production managing director Burhanuddin Md Radzi, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia chairman Datuk Hans Issac, and Stefan Baier, director of Global Studios and co-founder of Streamline Studios. In 2023, the global entertainment and media industry was valued at US$2.8 trillion. According to the PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2024, this figure is projected to grow to US$3.4 trillion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9 per cent. 'Malaysia has also seen tremendous progress in recent years. In 2023 alone, our creative digital industry generated RM5.3 billion in revenue, with exports valued at RM800 million,' Gobind said. 'More importantly, these achievements created over 10,000 high-value jobs across the ecosystem. Riding the wave of global digitalisation, the games sector continues to thrive.' He said the government, through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation's (MDEC) Digital Creative Ecosystem Roadmap (DICE), is committed to growing the digital creative sector and aims to position Malaysia as a regional and global hub for digital content by 2030. 'DICE is not just an initiative – it's a holistic strategy to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent development, market access, investment, and innovation. 'The Digital Ministry is further strengthening this effort by making animation and games a key focus of our mission to drive Malaysia's digital progress. Supporting innovation and growth in the digital creative sector isn't just an agenda – it is the backbone of our national transformation,' he added. To reinforce the government's commitment, MDEC has launched two new programmes: Animated Shorts Challenge – an initiative to encourage the creation of original short animations by local talents. It provides opportunities for creators to produce high-impact work that can be showcased regionally and globally. Digital Games Testbed – an initiative offering incentives for local game developers to explore new products or genres while securing publishing deals. This enables indie developers and established studios to access technical support and market feedback essential for continuous improvement and commercialisation. 'These initiatives complement DICE and play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysia's digital creative industry, expanding intellectual property creation, market access, and talent development,' Gobind said.
Sinar Daily
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
1992 Thomas Cup victory hits the silver screen
Rashid said the film is not just about badminton, but a cinematic piece that reflects struggle, belief, and national pride as Malaysians. 03 Jul 2025 04:29pm Datuk Rashid Sidek (second from right) at a press conference after the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) and the press conference for the film Sentuhan Wira at a hotel today. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - Over three decades after a defining moment in Malaysian sports history, the national men's badminton team's triumphant 1992 Thomas Cup victory is set to hit the silver screen. The film, titled Sentuhan Wira (Touch of a Hero), was officially launched by producer Victory Pictures Sdn Bhd yesterday, in conjunction with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the relevant parties, witnessed by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chairman, Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac. Director, Lenny Ooi (second from left) alongside national badminton legends, Datuk Rashid Sidek (third from left) and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit (third from right) at the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and press conference for the film Sentuhan Wira at a hotel today. Under the MoU, two national badminton legends-Datuk Rashid Sidek and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit-who were key players in the squad at the time, were appointed as production advisers. They are also directly involved in the script development to ensure factual accuracy and to convey the true spirit of the team's journey to the audience. Rashid said the film is not just about badminton, but a cinematic piece that reflects struggle, belief, and national pride as Malaysians. He also described the film's production as an important platform to share the experiences of former players with the younger generation, while highlighting the spirit of unity that existed within the national team at the time. "We want the current generation to feel what we experienced as players and to witness the unity and strong patriotic spirit among us. Even though we came from different races, we still succeeded together for one purpose,' he told reporters after the MoU signing. "Yes, it's been a long time-33 years without winning the Thomas Cup. So, with the release of this film, we hope it can boost the spirit of our current players to become more motivated. "What's more important is the spirit of patriotism, not individual glory, but the collective drive to bring honour to the nation,' he said, adding that back then, they placed national pride above personal interests. Meanwhile, Sentuhan Wira director Lenny Ooi said he will present an action-directed style, with filming that emphasises realism in the training and match scenes. "The actors selected must also be able to play badminton; otherwise, their movements will look stiff,' he said. He added that filming is expected to begin at the end of this year and the movie is slated for release in early 2027. - BERNAMA
