Malaysia, China To Ink Film Co-production Deal By Year-end

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and China are expected to sign a co-production agreement by the end of this year at the latest, to increase the quantity and quality of films produced between the two nations.

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the development was the outcome of his recent meeting with the China Film Administration (CFA) management, led by its International Division Director Xu Yang, in Beijing, China.

"Through this agreement, (film) production from Malaysia will benefit from China and vice versa. For example, Chinese production companies can obtain facilities and incentives in Malaysia, such as the Mandatory Screening Scheme; Malaysian companies can also get similar incentives or facilities in China.

"Films produced through this co-production treaty process will also be seen as a local flick in both countries and can receive the approval process for screening in cinemas in both countries more easily," he told Bernama.

He said the agreement would also help both countries develop local production skills by sharing their expertise.

Azmir Saifuddin said both parties are now in the final stages of finalising the agreement. Since it involves agreements and laws, this matter must be coordinated through the Attorney General of both countries.

He said that if realised, this would be Malaysia's second film production joint venture agreement with a foreign country, the first being signed with Australia in 2019.

-- BERNAMA