FINAS TO EXPLORE COOPERATION WITH INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and India are exploring ways to
cooperate in producing films in the near future, said the Director-General of
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), Mohd Mahyidin
Mustakim Monday.

He said the venture was being explored by Finas with the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) via the visit of famous Tamil
film star Kamal Haasan.

"The visit of Kamal Haasan is a result of Prime Minister Najib
Tun Razak's visit to India earlier this year when Finas, Malaysian Writing
Association (Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia) and FICCI signed a memorandum of
understanding to cooperate on film production," Mohd Mahyidin told reporters
Monday.

He said the collaborative effort may open up opportunities for the local
film industry to venture into the international market.

Kamal Haasan who was also present expressed hope that the cooperation with
Finas could produce films from both countries for the international market.

"That is my ambition...we hope to produce films soon. Its a good enough
answer, although it would take a lot of effort to make it a reality," said Kamal
Haasan, who has acted in more than 200 films.

-- BERNAMA