A total of nine Malaysians are taking part in this year’s 2026 Global Media Makers (GMM) LA Residency, happening from Sept 12 to Oct 3 in California, United States.
“This marks a strong showing for the country’s film industry on the international stage,” said Iskander Azizuddin, a member of the Malaysian contingent.
Other Malaysians currently in Los Angeles for the residency are Fareeq Alias, Feisal Azizuddin, Zan Azlee, Iris Chia, Nora Nabila, Lemuel Ong, Perassath Servai and Benjamin Sevang.
Organised by US Film Independent in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State, GMM is an international development programme that brings together filmmakers from around the world for creative and professional development.
Film Independent is also the organisation behind the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
“Feisal and I are both part of the Malaysian contingent this year, representing Feisk Productions, which is quite a meaningful milestone for us. Two producers from the same independent Malaysian company were selected in the same cohort,” he told StarLifestyle.
According to him, through the residency, they could gain insight into areas including creative development, producing, financing, distribution and international collaboration.
It is also a two-way learning process. The programme offers valuable opportunities for international filmmakers to engage, learn and connect with American film industry professionals. At the same time, American industry professionals get the chance to learn about new markets and identify potential business opportunities.
The programme has previously involved filmmakers and industry figures such as Ava DuVernay (Selma, 13th), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Last Of Us), Justin Simien (Dear White People), Jay Duplass (The Puffy Chair, Cyrus) and cinematographer Bradford Young (Arrival, Selma).
