KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — The Malaysian Film Development Corporation (Finas) expressed confidence of the film industry making a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic with the cooperation of the film industry players and support from the government.
Finas chief executive officer Prof Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim said various programmes and initiatives had been planned this year to mobilise the film industry, including providing flexibility for the use of equipment, including studio production equipment.
“If our films are not reactivated, it will affect the ecosystem of the film industry. If there is no funds and no producer with strong finances, then no film can be produced and this will affect the directors, actors and actresses, as well as production crew,” he said.
He said the Amateur Enhancement Programme by the Film Directors Association of Malaysa (FDAM) to produce young directors was a good effort.
“If all parties, including associations under Finas, play their respective roles, I am confident that our film industry will revive,” he said flagging-off the crew and cast for the film “Misteri Hutan Tok Kepak” (MHTK) at the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station here today.
Also present were FDAM president Dr Ahmad Ibrahim, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) chief corporate officer Suhaimi Yaacob and FDAM Advisory Council member Shuhaimi Baba.
Meanwhile, Ahmad said FDAM aimed to produce at least 10 young producers among its amateurs every year through the products of low-cost films.
“Since end of 2019, beginning with the first four members, now the number of FDAM amateur members has reached almost 300 people from all over the country. They are from various background and career, including lecturers, lawyers, businessmen, producers, actors as well as new graduates.
“Although they have no experience in film directing, they have shown interests to get the knowledge and skills from senior directors,” he added.
He said the film Misteri Hutan Tok Kepak co -produced by FDAM and K. Titanium Pictures was a pilot film production project undertaken entirely by the first generation of young producers among FDAM amateurs.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency