FILMS can be a powerful vehicle to cement national unity for the country and among the community.
Understanding the power that the local film industry wields, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) board member and Global Creative and Media Agency (GCMA) chief executive officer Adam Ham advocates the promotion of quality local films with patriotic storylines as apt to drive the spirit of patriotism deeper to the ground.
“The quality and standards for local films especially in terms of storyline, visual effects, sound effects, acting, and comedic elements have improved drastically compared to what was put out in the past,” said Ham.
It is noted that with the Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, feature films are flourishing in Malaysia with the global success of local animations such as Upin Ipin, BoBoiBoy and Ejen Ali somewhat having paved the way for greater clarity in terms of local cultural identity.
Ham further assured that FINAS is working hard to bring the country’s culture and heritage forward to the international stage through groundbreaking movies.
“And while previously local films are produced with the primary intention of conveying important key messages within our community rather than just to make a profit, recent releases of movies like Mat Kilau, Anak Rimau The Movie, Juang, Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa, and Abang Long Fadil 3 instil a very important message of unity that is essential for bringing one’s patriotic spirit to the fore during Merdeka and Malaysia Day.
In addition, music tracks within films also bring out emotions that go hand-in-hand with the film’s message.
For example, the songs performed by local superstars Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Sheila Majid for the movie Juang takes viewers back to when the country was in the thick of the movement control order (MCO) and displays how far we have come as one nation battling COVID-19 together.
“The films bring pride to our unique and harmonious multi-ethnic nation, further illustrating the depths that we are able to achieve when working together as one great nation,” Ham said.
“Malaysia is definitely on the right track to match international production houses in filmmaking.
“This is evident not only in the quality of production but also in the support that these films have garnered from the rakyat as seen in the augmented box office numbers for Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa which claimed RM8 mil in just four days, as well as Mat Kilau which have collected nearly RM100 mil, making it the highest-grossing Malaysian film of all time.”
Ham noted that FINAS is extremely proud of these achievements and is thrilled to have played a part in nurturing and facilitating the development of the Malaysian film industry.
The FINAS board member also expressed that local films play a vital role in promoting and encouraging the development of the national language and allow for an increased appreciation of local lifestyles, culture, values and tourism.
Furthermore, while preserving the national language is crucial, films also contribute to conserving local culture.
“It is of paramount importance to preserve our local cultures for generations to come, especially in this era where the world is constantly innovating and evolving,” Ham remarked.
“In this regard, films contribute a significant part to enabling this objective; hence, in line with the nationalistic spirit, I would like to invite all of Malaysia to #SupportLokal by promoting and watching our local films in cinemas.
Ham further pointed out that local support towards filmmaking will contribute to more jobs within the entertainment industry and will certainly lead to the development of more enticing and artistic productions.
“In order for the local films to be recognised globally, television stations, media platforms and social media news platforms should also feature local films within their coverage, wherever possible,” he added.
After all, the key to international success and demand for Malaysian content begins with support and accreditation from the originating country. – Sept 16, 2022
Main photo credit: Gurulab
