Kuala lumpur: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is making strategic efforts to penetrate the Chinese film market by aiming to introduce up to 10 Malaysian films annually. This ambitious plan, however, hinges upon market reception, regulatory compliance, and the readiness of local distributors to enter the market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, FINAS chairman Datuk Dr Hans Isaac emphasized that distributors need to evaluate several factors such as genre suitability, audience potential, marketing strategies, and distribution costs before venturing into the Chinese market. "The priority at this stage is to open up market access and build confidence among distributors gradually," he stated during the gala night of the China-Malaysia Film Festival 2026, which coincided with the 12th Xingtan Cultural Season.
The event, organized by Alpha Unit Films and Distribution Sdn Bhd and China Film Industry Group Co Ltd with FINAS's backing, showcased five Malaysian films: A Mighty Adventure, Ah Beng vs Liang Po Po, Babah, The Last Dive, and Abah Saya, Uncle Mike. The selection, made by Chinese industry partners from a pool of 30 titles, reflects the films' alignment with local preferences.
Hans highlighted that the festival not only spotlighted Malaysian films but also fostered opportunities for collaboration in production, distribution, technology, and talent development. "FINAS aims to facilitate links between Malaysian producers and their Chinese counterparts, while helping to create more opportunities for distribution, co-production, technology sharing, and the exchange of creative expertise," he noted.
During a roundtable with Chinese film industry executives, critical discussions on marketing strategies, market access, documentation processes, and industry data were conducted, granting Malaysian producers valuable insights into the Chinese market and the chance to forge relationships with potential partners.
Significantly, Hans witnessed the signing of five memorandums of understanding between Malaysian and Chinese companies, spanning film production, content distribution, film distribution, and animation. These partnerships included collaborations such as Perfect Pet and Fly Studio; Alpha Unit Films and Distribution Sdn Bhd and Le He He for content distribution; Red Sugar Cane and Le He He for film production; and others.
Hans also reiterated the benefits of the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which provides international film projects shot in Malaysia with cash rebates of up to 30 percent. This initiative aims to attract more international production activities to Malaysia by leveraging local resources and talent.
Moreover, FINAS is committed to bolstering the co-production framework between Malaysia and China, which requires coordination among governmental bodies in both nations. Hans believes this framework could streamline documentation, taxation, and production arrangements.
In pursuit of transforming Malaysia's creative industry, FINAS is focusing on talent development, education, technology, market access, and improved work processes. Hans pointed out that the Asian market presents a strategic opportunity to enhance the international profile of Malaysian films, stressing the importance of international recognition and audience expansion.
Additionally, FINAS is exploring creative skills exchange programs to expose Malaysian film crews to international practices and technology, thereby enhancing the local workforce's capabilities and boosting the competitiveness of Malaysian productions on the global stage.