Big guns back Afdlin’s stand

Not in the list: A scene from ‘OlaBola’, which was not nominated for best film at FFM.

PETALING JAYA: Banker Datuk Seri Nazir Razak and AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes are backing local comedian and filmmaker Afdlin Shauki’s (pic) decision to boycott the Festival Filem Malaysia 2016 (FFM).

In an Instagram post, Nazir, the CIMB Group chairman, said he respected Afdlin’s decision to boycott FFM after two popular local films were not nominated for best film.

“Respect. I was aghast to hear that my favourite, OlaBola, and others can’t compete for best Malaysian movie.

“Why the segregation? Change will only happen because individuals like Afdlin make a principled stand, well done!” wrote Nazir.

Responding to Nazir’s comment, Fernandes said AirAsia won many awards due to the cooperation of all races.

“English is a universal language. One day, Afdlin, Hans (Isaac), Harith (Iskandar) may win the Academy Award for a mixed movie.

“All the best to those who have been nominated. FFM committee good luck to you all too,” wrote Afdlin.

Films such as OlaBola, Jagat and The Kid From The Big Apple were not nominated for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director at FFM.

The popular films were instead nominated for the non-Bahasa Malaysia categories for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director instead.

The non-Bahasa Best Screenplay and Best Director categories have been introduced for the first time this year.

Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) said the different categories were introduced to uphold Bahasa Malaysia in local films.