Kuala lumpur: The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) today distributed the Incentive for Short Film Screenings (ITFC 2.0) worth RM1.51 million to 27 local films, in line with the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the national film industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Finas chairman Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac stated that the incentive was allocated based on a specific format and percentage assessment in accordance with the ITFC standard operating procedures (SOP) that have been in place since the initiative's introduction on July 1, 2011. The incentive underscores the commitment of the MADANI Government, the Ministry of Communications, and Finas in supporting the local creative industry through various financial means.
Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac further elaborated that such incentives are rare globally, with international industry players often expressing envy over Malaysia's support for its creative sector. This year alone, the incentives have been distributed in three phases: in April, RM613,702.13 was allocated to nine films; in September, RM1,128,729.74 was distributed to 14 films; and today, RM1,509,659.32 was granted to 27 films. The announcement was made during a press conference at the ITFC 2.0 Presentation Ceremony at the P. Ramlee Mini Cinema at Finas.
Additionally, Hans highlighted that the local film industry amassed RM221.6 million from the screening of 71 local feature films this year under the Compulsory Screening Scheme. This achievement marks 2025 as the year with the highest collection since the scheme's inception. Hans emphasized Finas's commitment to implementing targeted and high-impact incentive initiatives to foster sustainable, competitive, and inclusive growth in the country's film and creative content industry.
The ITFC initiative, driven by the Ministry of Communications through Finas, aims to support and motivate film producers in the creation of local feature films, thereby contributing to the film industry's development through an industry incentive strategy.