PETALING JAYA, Aug 24 — The national film industry must be more open so industry players may produce more creative and critical works, but stay true to local culture and values, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this approach would ensure the film industry grows in line with new technology, including animation, IT and AI.
“I don’t want to portray myself as too liberal a figure because I would be criticised by extremely sensitive groups, but I want to discuss this matter clearly.
“If you want this country to progress, we have to accept the reality that youngsters and the general public want a freer and more open environment. It doesn’t mean we should follow the western mould,” he said in his speech when officiating Menara FINAS in Damansara Damai here today.
He added that the eastern mould doesn’t necessarily mean being too conservative, but keeping true to local cultures and values while providing space for openness.
He also said too many constraints could block the film industry from growing into a more competitive and generally attractive field.
Anwar said the government wants to provide more open discussion platforms so arts industry players so they don’t feel too pressured or restricted.
He also emphasised the importance of giving the younger generation early exposure to local films to draw interest to the nation’s artworks and culture.
Meanwhile, National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said openness is among FINAS’ approaches to ensure the film industry keeps growing.
He said changes in content filtering methods have also been more progressive, as apparent through changes in censorship and film categories to ensure movies are shown to appropriate audiences.
FINAS chairman Dato’ Hans Isaac said local content is improving thanks to lessons taken from international productions.
“We admit that not all great films are from Hollywood, it’s just that only the quality ones (are shown internationally), but at FINAS, we are allowing all films to be shown,” he added.
He also said FINAS is aiming for the local film industry to penetrate Asian markets first before stepping further to Europe and the United States.
Hans said the phased effort will be done with government support, including via funding, talks and international production collaborations.
