KUALA LUMPUR: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has stressed that every film screened in cinemas under the compulsory screening requirement has always adhered to established procedures, thus rejecting allegations of the existence of a cartel in the film industry.
Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, said Finas is currently in the process of improving existing policies and regulations, including minor revisions to the film act and policies to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all producers.
"We’ve discussed this, and I also contacted Afdlin Shauki to get clarification on the allegation. From Finas’ side, our duty is to ensure every process is conducted transparently with proper procedures and governance.
"The public knows that we have processes, and we always comply with them. It’s just that sometimes, over time, things change - for example, we used to shoot using 35mm film, but now it’s digital. The same goes for the compulsory screening process and film placement - all these are part of improvement efforts,” he said after the presentation of the Feature Film Screening Incentive 2.0 (ITFC 2.0) here on Tuesday (Sept 30).
Previously, the media reported that the President of the Malaysian Film Directors Association, Datuk Afdlin Shauki, had alleged the existence of "invisible hands” or a cartel that determines the success of a local film, including in terms of prime screening slots, promotion, and distribution.
Afdlin described the situation as forcing filmmakers to "gamble with fate" because the quality of their work was allegedly no longer the main determining factor.
Commenting on the emergence of alternative platforms, including a new app developed by director Erma Fatima, Hans described it as a positive development as it opens more opportunities for producers to distribute their works.
"Anyone can do business and showcase their content. We (Finas) will not stop them as long as they follow the set regulations. If they do not violate the conditions, Finas will continue to provide support,” he said. - Bernama
