Kuala Lumpur: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysian film and production company, Skop Productions, and Hong Kong’s Mandarin Motion Pictures has been deemed a strategic move in strengthening regional film cooperation. National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib stated the partnership was significant as it serves as a catalyst for film industry relations between Malaysia and Hong Kong. It is also the first joint film initiative announced following the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia last month.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azmir Saifuddin emphasized that the collaboration strengthens diplomatic and economic ties through a cultural diplomacy approach. The strategic partnership receives investment support from Chinese government-linked companies such as Bauhinia Cultural Group and Sil-Metropole Organisation, reflecting the confidence of international investors in Malaysia’s creative potential and production quality. The MoU is a direct outcome of the Malaysian delegation’s participation at Hong Kong Filmart last March, led by FINAS, resulting in a co-production agreement for an international-class cinematic work.
Azmir Saifuddin highlighted that the initiative would benefit the country’s film industry ecosystem through market expansion, technology and skills transfer, and branding Malaysia as a world-class filming destination. He mentioned the project is supported by the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), offering a 30 percent cash rebate to film and TV productions in Malaysia. The collaboration aligns with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil’s aspirations for strategic collaboration, private investment involvement, and sustainable film financing to reduce reliance on government funding in developing the national creative industry.
Azmir Saifuddin expressed confidence that collaboration between the public and private sectors would enable Malaysia to make bolder and higher-quality strides on the global stage. A recent example of success is the film Blood Brothers: Bara Naga, co-produced by Skop Productions and Primeworks Studios (PWS), which grossed RM45 million within 11 days of its release. Meanwhile, Mandarin Motion Pictures, known for the Ip Man franchise starring Donnie Yen, has also achieved significant box office sales across Malaysia.