AUSTRALIA AND MALAYSIA PLAN TO COLLABORATE IN FILM INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Bernama) -- Australia and Malaysia plan to sign a
memorandum of understanding to facilitate cooperation in the film industry
including in the co-production of films, documentaries and feature films.

Counsellor for Political and Economic Section of the Australian High
Commission in Malaysia, Arthur Spyrou said both governments had agreed in
principle to discuss the matter within the next few months.

"We see this as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in an area which is
really iconic for both countries.

"I know both Malaysians and Australians love going to cinemas and this is
obviously a really good area to extend the cooperation," he told reporters at a
joint new conference with Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Penny
Williams, to promote the Australian Film Festival 2010 (AFF 2010).

Spyrou said Australia, which film industry dated back to 1906, and Malaysia
had their own film and cultural traditions and as such, the Australian side
could learn from the Malaysian film traditions.

He added that Australia had the potential to assist Malaysian filmmakers,
especially in making small budget but high-value and high-talent films.

Meanwhile Williams said the AFF would be back in Malaysia from March 4-7
after the last one in 2007.

That this time around the festival would feature seven films which she said
showcased "a great range of Australian movies, from quirky to mysterious and
caters for all ages".

The films include The Dish, Dirty Deeds, Romulus My Father, Radiance and the
Magic Pudding.

"The AFF 2010 provides a window into Australian popular culture, history and
contemporary issues," she said.

Admission to the AFF 2010 is free and tickets are available at the Golden
Screen Cinemas (GSC) Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, the venue for the film festival.

Tickets are on a first-come first-serve basis.
The screening schedule and synopsis are available at www.australia.org.my.
-- BERNAMA