KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act will hopefully chart a new course for the local film industry, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said his ministry is currently looking into amending the Finas Act to reflect current realities in the modern film landscape.

“In terms of the law, we are discussing amending the Finas Act to improve it, seeing as the Act is a bit different from today’s reality.

“For example, we are no longer talking about (making movies on) film, everything is digital now and today the industry covers many different sectors that may not have been considered previously,” he added.

He said this while speaking to reporters after attending the Film Directors Association Malaysia (FDAM) Convention at Finas’ Merdeka Studio Complex here yesterday.

However, he said the amendments are not ready to be brought to Parliament yet.

Fahmi had earlier visited the convention and the complex, accompanied by FDAM president Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan and Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman, among others.

“The activities I’ve seen (at the convention), such as casting, shows to me that if Finas works with bodies such as FDAM, there can be more large-scale activities that can provide opportunities to film directors, producers, actors, or anyone involved in this industry, to get a job and to identify projects that may need their involvement.

“So, I thank Finas and FDAM for their good efforts today,” he said.

He also praised the people manning the booths at the convention. The booths were run by representatives from various organisations such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the Social Security Organisation (Socso), the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund, as well as others.

“This will help especially film directors understand and receive the benefits that are available to them,” Fahmi said.

He added that Socso has helped over 4,500 filmmakers so far and Finas is in talks with EPF to see what aid can be given to filmmakers.

“Those who are stars will benefit today, but wouldn’t it be nice if they can keep a bit for tomorrow or for when they are old?” he said.

During his tour of the complex, Fahmi was also shown the first post-production studio in the country to be accredited by surround sound technology specialist Dolby Atmos.

“I managed to visit the post-production studio, which will be opened soon. I am so happy and proud to see this post-production studio because it is the only one in Malaysia that was given accreditation from Dolby Atmos,” he said.

He added that Finas would announce the date of the studio’s launch soon.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/07/improved-finas-act-will-chart-course-for-film-industry