Kuala lumpur: Creative freedom must be exercised with sensitivity to certain boundaries to ensure content does not undermine relations among Malaysia's multiracial communities, said National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chairman Datuk Dr Hans Isaac.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hans emphasized the importance of being mindful of the country's unique social fabric when creators decide how to tell their stories. "We have freedom, but that freedom must be exercised responsibly because we have different races and cultures. Our country is very unique, and we need to understand certain boundaries," he told reporters after launching Projek Sinema: Pencetus Aspirasi Filem Malaysia at Menara FINAS.
Hans stated that while producers have the creative right to explore controversial subjects, they should also consider their potential impact on society. "Controversy can attract attention and may be used to gain ratings. That is the producer's creative decision, and we respect it. But we must understand that we come from a country called Malaysia, with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. There are many ways to be creative in telling stories without undermining relations among communities," he said.
Hans further stressed that Malaysians currently live in harmony and this should not be disrupted by content that could create tension. This follows the decision by streaming platform iQIYI and MIG Production to temporarily remove six episodes of the drama Madu Atau Racun after clips allegedly depicting same-sex relationships went viral, sparking controversy over religious sensitivities and local cultural norms.
On the Projek Sinema: Pencetus Aspirasi Filem Malaysia, Hans explained that the 16-day intensive training programme offers 24 participants, selected from 49 applicants, hands-on experience in the film industry. Participants will be matched with production projects funded under the Creative Content Fund (DKK) to apply their newly acquired skills.
The programme covers areas such as idea development, scriptwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, and production, guided by eight experienced industry practitioners. Hans noted that FINAS aims to help participants pursue their ambitions as filmmakers and produce quality works that showcase Malaysian stories, cultures, and experiences.
Programme participant and Fether Post Sdn Bhd senior manager B.K. Durgashini Naidu praised the initiative for providing insights into various aspects of film production, including marketing, directing, acting, and scriptwriting, as well as understanding the producer's role in assessing a story's potential. "Production is certainly a business, but at the same time, I always think about the moral values we want to convey to society through a work," she said.