Najib calls on film makers to produce films of international standards

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak has called on Malaysian film makers to come out of their comfort zone and strive to produce works of international standards.
He said their tendency to use the same formula each time they produced a film merely to reap high returns would not help to boost the standard of the Malaysian film industry.
"I understand the tendency of the film makers to use the same formula to ensure the succes of their films...this is the reality in balancing between investment and profits.
"However, continuing such a practice will not help to develop the local film industry. The quality of film produced will remain unchanged and eventually the Malaysian film industry will be lagging behind," he said at the Official Launching of the Malaysian Film Expo 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here today.
The text of his speech was read by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Expo was organised by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to provide a platform for industry activists to share knowledge, expertise and technology.
Also present at the function were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak and its secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, as well as local arts activists.
Meanwhile, the prime minister wanted investors in the film industry to continue supporting film makers with the courage to produce works that were different from the usual, as long as they had the potentials to succeed commercially.
"Only with this willingness, and with collaboration between the film makers and investors, can works of high quality be produced," he added.
In addition, Najib said the government would continue to pay attention to all the proposal papers submitted and problems faced by local arts activists.

He said every proposal and problem raised would be studied and scrutinised by the government via the Communications and Multimedia Ministry.
"Close collaborative synergy that is positive between arts activists and the government is crucial in ensuring the interests of both parties are always looked after.
"I hope the country's creative industry can continue to be driven to be at par with those in the developed countries, but at the same time, still retaining the country's national identity based on the Malaysian culture," he added.
In conclusion, Najib hoped the Malaysian Film Expo could become the platform for arts activists to share expertise and technology in the making of any film.
"I am certain that such a programme could contribute towards developing creativity among the younger generation and indirectly churn out dynamic and creative individuals holistically.
"The government is confident that such a programme would stimulate economic growth based on innovations as sources of development and various new economic opportunities," he said.
Najib said that if the plan could be achieved, national income, productivity and quality of life would improve and subsequently ensure continuous prosperity for the people and country. – Bernama