KUALA LUMPUR: Minister of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) Tan Sri Annuar Musa has held discussions with the Finance Ministry (MOF) to acquire a RM50 million allocation to aid film producers of filem kenegaraan (national films) which also include elements of unity and religious tolerance.
Annuar said that industry players needed more help aside from the Digital Content Grant Fund (DKD) and the Film in Malaysia Incentive scheme (FIMI) as the production of quality films on an international level requires a very high cost.
"K-KOMM has made requests from the MOF to acquire more flexible grants. This is because I have got to know that there are many big ideas of creating quality films after meeting with local film producers.
"However, the main setback is the high cost and we have certain limits. So, aside from the DKD and FIMI, K-KOMM is trying to get funding that can help producers to create films from the national film genre.
"That is what I've been striving and praying to happen as soon as possible," he said in a news report yesterday.
Meanwhile, Annuar also expressed his hope for full support from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to facilitate the production of more national films.
"Finas can utilise creative measures in the selection process for these quality films to receive the funds. This effort will encourage more scriptwriters and unearth a treasure trove of stories that could enliven the patriotic spirit and national history.
"This is because I have developed a newfound confidence in local producers that are very creative and capable. In fact, Malaysian actors are also capable of producing films of high quality together.
"So, K-KOMM will strive develop a more conducive ecosystem for filming which will provide maximum encouragement," he said.