KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Film Producers Association (PFM) president Pansha has described social media influencer Ameera Khan's brief recording of film scenes as "regrettable".
Pansha said that celebrities such as Ameera should not tarnish the image of Malaysian entertainment with irresponsible acts.
"The film was a foreign one, but we still must respect the rights of film companies. Don't give Malaysia a bad name, especially when you are a popular celebrity," he said in an interview with Berita Harian Online today.
Pansha urged Ameera and other celebrities to respect the sensitivities of filmmakers and viewers, and avoid tarnishing the image of the Malaysian entertainment industry.
"Celebrities must always refrain from acts that give us a bad name, such as recording clips of the films they watch," he said.
Polis Evo 1 and 2 director Ghaz Abu Bakar, however begged to differ with Pansha.
He said that it was all right to record a brief clip of a film, less than 30 seconds long, in order to promote it amongst Netizens.
"No, I don't think it is wrong. Ameera was watching that film for the first time in a preview, and wanted to share a scene with her Instagram followers," he said.
"If any celebrity uploads a brief scene from my movie on social media just to publicise it, I am okay with that. Imagine if Chris Hemsworth of Thor uploads my movie on social media, I would be delighted."
Ghaz said that individuals "crossed the line" if they attempted to make money from the film clips that they recorded. "That would be an act of piracy," he said.
Last week, Ameera, 20, was criticised by Netizens for recording brief clips of the film House Of Gucci on her Instagram account during a special preview. The film premieres in cinemas nationwide on Thursday.
Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) subsequently said in a statement that they would be taking action against Ameera, who is the younger sister of television host and entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor.