Salleh Said to meet Finas over film segregation issue

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak will discuss the issue of segregation of categories based on language for this year’s Festival Filem Malaysia (FFM) with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas).

The Communications and Multimedia Minister, who is currently in Tawau for the launching of this year’s National Month (Bulan Kebangsaan) celebration, said that he would look into the matter when he is back in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

“I have communicated with the Finas director-general and will discuss with him when I am back,” said Salleh (pic) when contacted by The Star on Saturday.

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 in the non-Bahasa Malaysia categories for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Director.

Finas director-general Datuk Kamil Othman had explained that the decision to separate the categories based on language was simply a transitory compromise to reflect the diversity in the local film industry.

The segregation has ruffled many feathers, with several prominent personalities, including local comedian and filmmaker Afdlin Shauki, announcing their decision to boycott FFM.

Prominent banker Datuk Seri Nazir Razak and AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes are among those who have expressed their support of Afdlin’s decision.

In an Instagram post on Friday, Nazir, the CIMB Group chairman, said he respected the decision to boycott FFM.

“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.