Malaysia continues to shine as a top destination for international film and TV productions.
In 2024, Marvel Studios brought global attention to the nation by filming a scene for Thunderbolts at the iconic Merdeka 118.
More recently, the Netherlands has selected Malaysia as the backdrop for its upcoming series Hemelrijk.
Co-produced by local production house Kinovisuals and New Amsterdam Film Company, this project marks the first official Malaysia-Netherlands television co-production.
Spanning five episodes, Hemelrijk began production on March 24, with a nine-week shoot across Hulu Langat, Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur.
About 80 Malaysian crew members will collaborate with 20 Dutch cast and crew.
The drama is supported by the Film in Malaysia Incentive (Fimi), administered by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), and has received a 30% rebate on qualified Malaysian expenditure.
At a media launch in Kuala Lumpur, New Amsterdam Film Company executive producer Sander Verdonk explained that Malaysia was chosen for its competitive incentive framework, production-ready infrastructure and diverse locations.
“These resources give us the confidence to bring large-scale productions here, knowing the support system is strong and that we can rely on our partners.
Beyond the logistics, Verdonk also praised the dedication of the local production team, expressing admiration for their commitment now that principal photo- graphy is underway.
“We have found Malaysia to be both production-ready and creatively inspiring. You’re proving every day that Malaysia is ready for the world stage,” he added.
Producer and Kinovisuals co-founder Benji Lim said Hemelrijk reflects the growing maturity of Malaysia’s screen ecosystem.
“Malaysia is no longer simply a filming location but a strategic co-production partner with access to global broadcasters.
“This project represents the kind of sustained, cross-border collaboration that builds institutional trust, develops local expertise and strengthens bilateral cultural ties between Malaysia and Europe,” he said in his keynote address.
Meanwhile, Kinovisuals founder Cho We Jun credited Fimi for enabling international collaborations in the country.
“This project demonstrates how public incentive frameworks can unlock new opportunities, open European partnerships and expand long-term job creation within our industry,” he said.
Cho added that Helmerijk marks a new chapter in cultural collaboration between two countries.
He noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to long-term industry development.
“At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, projects like this reminds us of the value of working together across borders. It reminds us that despite our differences, many of our stories are similar,” Cho said.
Directed by Dutch actor Jim Taihuttu and Amsterdam-based filmmaker Lisette Dutch, Hemelrijk explores shared Dutch-Indonesian history through an intimate mother-daughter narrative.
Set across dual timelines in 1942 and the mid-1990s, the story follows Dewi – a woman who travels to Indonesia with her teenage daughter after inheriting a long-abandoned plantation.
But what begins as a practical decision evolves into a haunting journey through generational trauma, colonial history and buried family secrets.
The show stars Dutch talents Denise Aznam, Anneke Sluiters and Gijs Naber, with Malaysian actor Bront Palarae and Indonesian actor Abimana Aryasatya also joining the cast.
