KUALA LUMPUR: The forum Antara Cantik dan Bakat: Di Manakah Magis Pengukuh Kredibiliti? which was held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) yesterday gave students a glimpse of what it takes to be an actor in the local film industry.
Organised by Persatuan Wartawan dan Penulis Hiburan Malaysia (Wham), in cooperation with the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) and UKM's Centre for Research in Media and Communication (Mention), the forum also served as a lead-up event to the upcoming 32nd Malaysia Film Festival (FFM32).
Wham president Datuk Tengku Khalidah Tengku Bidin said that the objective of the forum was to portray the various realities in the acting sphere that many intend to make a career out of.
"Lots of people want to become a great artiste but not many know how to implement acting techniques that have an onscreen impact.
"There are also many important secrets to be considered when potential talents walk in for auditions to inhabit characters," she said during the event.
Tengku Khalidah added that the forum shared crucial tips by experts in the field of acting featuring strategies, attitude and approaches for those who wanted to make acting their professional career.
"It features popular artistes and celebrities who discuss whether looks or talents would make or break potential opportunities.
"This also is in line with the current trend that people are influenced by the power of social media in which those with a huge number of followers would easily get a shot," she said.
Finas CEO Prof Dr Md Nasir Ibrahim who was also present, said that the forum was one calendar event in the promotional plan for FFM32.
"This is part of the promotional strategy in the lead up to FFM32 and these events will help to create a good atmosphere for the day of the festival.
"We have invited various influential figures from the industry to discuss on the topic that was initiated by Datuk A Aida.
"We get to hear all sorts of perspectives that would help to further develop the industry. Aside from that, the forum also highlights Finas' role in sharing information and useful details with the students of UKM's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities," he said.
The forum featured a panel made up of Nasir, producer Datuk Yusof Haslam, as well as actors Noor Kumalasari, Sharifah Rose and Hariz Hamdan, which was moderated by actor and host Fahrin Ahmad.
Also present were Finas chairman Senator Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa and A Aida.