IT’S high time for film censorship to be replaced with ratings as in developed countries because Malaysian viewers are more discerning than they were two decades ago.
This is Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) president Datuk Norman Abdul Halim’s suggestion to Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, as one of several reforms the new government can implement for the creative industry.
“Many filmmakers feel that the government should loosen control on film content and give us more creative freedom, especially when our works are satirical and aimed at social criticism.
“Censorship may have worked in the early days of the industry but not any more. It curbs creativity and is counter-productive,” said Norman in a recent interview at his KRU Studios office in Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
TIME TO EVOLVE
Norman, who is also KRU Studios chief executive officer, added: “The ratings system has been used for a long time in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and most developed countries.
“Many developing countries are following in their footsteps, since their societies have become open-minded.
“I think it is best that we migrate from censorship to ratings. I don’t see any reason why we should not, as our filmmakers have Asian values, and do not promote extreme violent and sexual content.”
Norman said ratings would grade films appropriately, so that the public would stay away from those deemed “too violent or sexual”.
When asked about the role of the National Film Development Corporation, or Finas, Norman said it should be redefined to include not only live-action films, but television series, animated series and films, music videos and video games.
“All of them are inter-related, and popular cartoon brand Upin & Ipin is a fine example — it has live-action films, games, TV series and music videos rolled into one,” he said.
GETTING CREATIVE WITH CONTENT
Norman said Finas could be transformed into the Creative Content Commission of Malaysia, along the lines of Singapore’s Media Development Authority, which is autonomous and self-funding.
“Finas and filmmakers came up with this idea some years ago. It will widen Finas’ scope and make it a one-stop body for the creative industry,” he said.
A one-stop authority may regulate the film industry effectively, notably in tackling piracy.
“Right now, fighting piracy requires several government agencies. First, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry enforcement team goes after video pirates.
“After that, it notifies the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. By then, the pirates would have sold their stolen goods and raked in millions of ringgit,” he said.
“Placing enforcement under the proposed Creative Content Commission would greatly speed things up and make life difficult for pirates.”
FILM AS INVESTMENT
Norman also suggests that companies be encouraged to invest in films, by having part of their taxes used to fund such projects.
“Corporations should be encouraged to pump money into movies and TV dramas via tax incentives.
“This is a lot better than Finas grants in spurring the industry’s growth, because grants are not sustainable in the long run.”
But if there was a need for grants, Norman suggested that a “merit system” be used.
“Finas can assess film companies based on their track record in terms of sales and experience in filmmaking.”
He urged the government to reach out to the vast film market in China, via a co-production treaty with East Asia’s largest nation.
“China’s huge market, with its 50,000 cinemas, will greatly benefit us. To date, 26 countries have made similar agreements with China.”
TRANSPARENT GUIDELINES
Lastly, Norman called on the government to give clear guidelines on foreign artistes performing in the country.
“We really must avoid last-minute cancellations of concerts without proper reason. It discourages world-famous acts from entertaining Malaysians and reflects badly on our open and progressive society,” he said.
Norman added that PFM would soon have a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons, as well as Gobind, to suggest the reforms.
“Several artistes have made suggestions to the council. It should also listen to our association’s ideas, which come from a business point of view.
“It may take time to implement such structural reforms, but dialogue is the first step to making these happen.”
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