Fame Fund Uncovers New Directorial Talent

By Nurhafizah Tan

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The First-Time Amateur Filmmaker (FAME) Fund has the potential to be a crucial platform for discovering and nurturing new local directorial talent to strengthen the domestic film industry.

FAME assists first-time directors with up to RM500,000 in funding and production mentorship, thereby broadening creative participation among young filmmakers.

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the initiative, which was introduced last year, is specifically designed to help first-time directors produce their films.

He cited Ebi Kornelis's film, Syurga Dalam Botol, which received government support through FAME and grossed RM1 million since its release in 40 cinemas on Oct 9.

"This film, which highlights the plight of stateless children in Sabah, has created its own success story by grossing over RM1 million. This can be considered a proud achievement by a first-time director and a local Sabahan production,” he told Bernama.

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"The film’s success is measured not just by its box office earnings, but also by its profound social impact. Many viewers, including community leaders in Sabah, have been deeply moved, proving that productions from outside the Klang Valley are equally capable of delivering a powerful message," he said.

Azmir added that they have received positive feedback from seasoned film and drama producers, who have praised the Sabahan director's talent and believe he has significant potential to shine even brighter. 

He said FINAS also aims to step up the film's promotion, including on social media, to boost box office revenue to RM2 million by leveraging the upcoming Malaysian Film Festival, scheduled for Nov 1.

Syurga Dalam Botol tells the story of stateless children in Kota Kinabalu who live without rights or an identity.

It powerfully captures their agonising dilemma of choosing either an honest path or being forced into crime by desperate circumstances, giving a voice to an often neglected social reality.

-- BERNAMA