Malaysia To Introduce Incentives For Malaysia-Indonesia Film Production

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya JAKARTA, June 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will introduce various incentives to encourage film producers in Malaysia and Indonesia to produce films jointly, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister of Malaysia Dr Rais Yatim. He said the incentives, which will be enjoyed by producers of fiction and television mini-series, was aimed at further advancing the two countries film industries and in the process enhance bilateral ties in the performing arts and culture. Part of the incentives would come from Malaysia' National Film Development Corporation (Finas) while another part through (Malaysia's) the Communications and Multimedia Act, he told reporters after attending a dialogue with Indonesian film producers here Thursday. "For example, in licensing (for broadcasters) we can set the ratio for the joint productions," he said. Rais, however, said the ratio would be subject to several other conditions like fair pricing, an attractive storyline, related to the people of the two countries and if a certain mini-series was not received well, the broadcaster had the right to withdraw it. "I am confident that this move will help hatch a new vista in the world of films of both countries," he said. The minister had earlier witnessed the forming of Kolaborasi Filem Malaysia-Indonesia (Kofi Malindo) which is aimed at forging greater cooperation between films producers coming under the auspices of the Indonesian Film Industry Association and Finas. Kofi Malindo was formed today in conjunction with the screening of the movie 'Gerimis Mengundang' at 80 cinemas in Indonesia. 'Gerimis Mengundang' produced by Erama Creative Sdn Bhd and directed by Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri opened simultaneously in cinemas in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei today. Rais also said his ministry would set up a committee under Finas to assist Indonesian film producers who are interested in producing films in Malaysia. He added that he would also be holding discussions with his Indonesian counterpart to further enhance government-to-government cooperation so as to bring the creative industries of both countries to greater heights. Also present were the actor and actress of the movie Kamal Adli (left) and Olivia Jensen (right). (photoBERNAMA) MALAYSIA