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.

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.

-- BERNAMA