KUALA LUMPUR: Comedian, actor and filmmaker Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan, 52, has been elected as the new chairman of the Film Directors' Association of Malaysia (FDAM).
The Cuci The Musical, Papadom and Baik Punya Cilok star was elected by the association for a two-year term at its 25th Annual General Meeting held at Pawagam Mini P. Ramlee in the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), Hulu Klang, Selangor yesterday.
In his acceptance speech, Afdlin said: "It is a heavy responsibility and I am determined to do my best to renew FDAM and take it to the next level.
"I aim to increase the level of professionalism amongst members and rebrand FDAM to make it the foremost organisation that represents the interests of the country's film directors."
Afdlin also said that he welcomed digital media influencers into FDAM as it would enable them to improve their creativity by learning from seasoned filmmakers.
"Filmmakers must reach out to digital influencers as they are becoming increasingly prominent in the creative industry. We can train them to become successful film producers and directors of the future."
Afdlin said that FDAM members should fully support individuals who had good suggestions for the betterment of the industry and always work as a team.
Besides Afdlin, nine other office-holders were elected at the meeting namely deputy chairman Kapt (Rtd) Khir Mohd Noor, secretary Mohamad Zaini Hassan, deputy secretary Don Hoe, treasurer Loganathan Kanabathy, deputy secretary Terry Chan and four committee members Mohamed Faizal Syed Ariff, Elrafaei Sapi, Faisal Chal Ahmad and Muhammad Aiman Mohammad Zaki.