China firms set to invest RM3bil in cinema sector

From left: Tourism Malaysia southern region director Solehuddin Ahmad, Golden Shield Television deputy director Chen Jie, Moths Studio founder Tong Bing Yu, Changsha LeFeng Culture Communication Co Ltd chairman Shi Cai Wen, and Profima president Capt Khir Mohd Noor during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony held at Forest City in Johor on Dec 3.

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Malaysia is set for a major boost in the cinematic world after China is poised to invest an accumulated RM3bil over the next five years.

China’s Golden Shield Television Centre and Changsha LeFeng Culture Communication Co Ltd (LeFeng) is partnering Malaysia’s Moths Studios Sdn Bhd to produced a series of multiple cultural entertainment projects including movies, dramas, programmes, events and many others.

The first joint project is to co-produce a RM237mil China-Malaysia co-production movie where filming would take place next year in Johor.

The movie, titled “Beyond Life and Death” is produced by Peggy Lee Ji Wen, who is Golden Shield Television Centre art and film director and has over 30 years experience in the film industry.

She is well known for producing critically acclaimed films including Oscar winner Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle.

Lee is confident that with her experience and profile, her movies would be able to stimulate growth and development of the entertainment industry for both nations and foster closer relationship between China and Malaysia.“I am excited and looking forward to begin producing the film in Malaysia, ” she said during a press conference held at Forest City here yesterday.

LeFeng chairman Shi Cai Wen said her side was excited to work with Moths Studio for their first collaboration project.

“We believe Moths Studio has a lot to offer and we are determined to make this a blockbuster hit at the box office.

“We are amazed with the Malaysian culture and landscape, and will enjoy infusing these elements into the movie, ” she added.

Moths Studio chief executive officer Kee Kai Loon said the five-year collaboration deal would open a lot of opportunities for not only the Malaysian television and film industry but also the tourism industry and local businesses.

“We hope to make Malaysia proud with this international collaboration production of “Beyond Life and Death” and other future collaborations, ” he added.