Latest news with #NationalFilmDevelopmentCorporationofMalaysia
Barnama
18 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.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Forward-thinking move for FFM34
THE 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM34) is making history with the introduction of a new category: the Best Stunt Performance Award. This marks a significant step in recognising the courageous and dedicated individuals who bring Malaysia's action film scenes to life. Deputy Communicatons Minister Teo Nie Ching announced the new category at a press conference recently held at the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) in Hulu Kelang, Selangor. "The Best Stunt Performance award is dedicated to the people who often remain behind the scenes but play a crucial role in the success of high-risk scenes. "Their courage, discipline, and professionalism deserve recognition and celebration." Teo emphasised that the decision to introduce this category stems from a noticeable rise in local action film production, reflecting the growing strength and maturity of Malaysia's film industry. "The recent surge in action film production shows that our industry is not only advancing technically but also winning over audiences. "The increasing popularity and viewership of local action and horror films prove their rising quality," she added. According to Teo, the award will shine a spotlight on stunt performers, technical teams, and behind-the-scenes crew, whose efforts and risks breathe life into some of cinema's most thrilling scenes. "This category was created to honour the incredible spirit and professionalism of stunt actors and the technical teams who work tirelessly, often at great physical risk, to bring dynamic and complex scenes to the screen. "Their contributions are invaluable and should not go unnoticed," she said. The winner of the award will receive a special trophy and a RM5,000 cash prize as a token of appreciation for outstanding dedication and contribution to the Malaysian film industry. FFM34 director Raja Mohammad Adhzim Raja Ahmad also shared that a total of 30 categories will be contested at this year's festival, covering a wide spectrum of cinematic achievements. "Entries eligible for this year are local productions released between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025." FFM34 will be held on Nov 8 at Auditorium Seri Angkasa in Kota Media Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur, and will be broadcast live nationwide. The festival is organised by Finas, in collaboration with the Communications Ministry, and continues to serve as the most prestigious platform for honouring cinematic excellence in Malaysia. This year's edition carries the theme, "Creative Works, Dynamic Cinema", chosen to reflect the evolving landscape of Malaysian storytelling and the bold steps filmmakers are taking to push boundaries and embrace innovation. "This year's theme represents cinema as a mirror to modern society, one that keeps pace with technological development and social realities," said Raja Mohammad Adhzim. "It celebrates the dynamism of our film industry and the creative bravery of those who dare to explore new frontiers in storytelling." The 2025 edition of FFM is expected to feature over 60 Malaysian films, underscoring the resilience, commitment, and creative momentum of the country's film industry, which continues to thrive despite the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adding further prestige to the event, FFM34 will include notable special awards, such as the Box Office Film Special Award, the Special Jury Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, all of which honour extraordinary contributions and long-standing service to the local film scene. According to FFM34 organisers, as of June 30, the performance of the Malaysian film industry continues to be highly encouraging. A total of 39 local films have been screened across cinemas nationwide, amassing a combined box office revenue of RM162.89 million. This is a notable increase compared with the RM125.28 million collected in 2024. This surge reflects not only the public's growing interest in locally produced content but also the industry's strengthening infrastructure, creative ambition, and technical expertise — all key to positioning Malaysia as a major player in the global cinematic landscape. With the introduction of the Best Stunt Performance Award, FFM34 solidifies its role as a forward-thinking festival that continues to evolve in recognising the full spectrum of artistic and technical excellence in Malaysian cinema.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Finas committed to take local talents to international stage
Finas committed to take local talents to international stage KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) is committed to boosting the presence of local talents and works at the international level through various strategic initiatives, including support funds, participation in world film festivals and cross-government agency collaboration. Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the achievements of local actors in the foreign film industry are gaining prominence and need to be supported comprehensively to become a catalyst for the development of the country's creative industry. Advertisement "Finas is very proud and fully supports the success of local production companies and individual talents who have succeeded in penetrating the international market. This success proves that our creative industry can be accepted and compete at the international level," he told Bernama. He said among the main initiatives provided by Finas are the Creative Content Fund (DKK), Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), human capital development funds and international market participation funds, as well as promotions and facilities for high-potential works. SPONSORED CONTENT Hans said Finas also provides international synergy routes through participation in major world film festivals and markets such as Cannes, Berlinale and Busan, as well as establishing collaborations with agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti), embassies and foreign agencies as facilitators for local industry players. He said the long-term goal is to produce more successors to international industry figures such as Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding, as well as behind-the-scene professionals. Advertisement Among the local talents currently stealing attention abroad is young actor Irfan Zaini who has the opportunity to star in a film in India with the country's famous star, Vijay, thus making him one of Malaysia's new faces on the global stage. Irfan, who was previously active on the local screen, described cross-country collaborations as the best space to gain experience and bring Malaysia's name to a higher level in the film world. Advertisement Commenting on the development, Hans described Irfan's success as a tribute to the industry and a testament to the abilities of local people if given the opportunity and support. "I hope Irfan will take this opportunity to bring glory to the country's creative industry and be an example to other industry players. Finas is very proud of his achievements," he said.
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
Barnama
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
FINAS Committed To Take Local Talents To International Stage
By Mohd Afiq Zulkifli KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) is committed to boosting the presence of local talents and works at the international level through various strategic initiatives, including support funds, participation in world film festivals and cross-government agency collaboration. FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said the achievements of local actors in the foreign film industry are gaining prominence and need to be supported comprehensively to become a catalyst for the development of 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. This success proves that our creative industry can be accepted and compete at the international level," he told Bernama. He said among the main initiatives provided by FINAS are the Creative Content Fund (DKK), Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), human capital development funds and international market participation funds, as well as promotions and facilities for high-potential works. Hans said FINAS also provides international synergy routes through participation in major world film festivals and markets such as Cannes, Berlinale and Busan, as well as establishing collaborations with agencies such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), embassies and foreign agencies as facilitators for local industry players. He said the long-term goal is to produce more successors to international industry figures such as Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding, as well as behind-the-scene professionals. Among the local talents currently stealing attention abroad is young actor Irfan Zaini who has the opportunity to star in a film in India with the country's famous star, Vijay, thus making him one of Malaysia's new faces on the global stage. Irfan, who was previously active on the local screen, described cross-country collaborations as the best space to gain experience and bring Malaysia's name to a higher level in the film world.
