Industry body hails Anwar's call for greater creative freedom in films

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's plea for increased creative freedom for Malaysian filmmakers. The forum believes this should be coupled with stronger self-regulation, more transparent content classification, and improved parental controls. At a gathering on Aug 24, Anwar emphasized that artistic expression must stay tied to Malaysia's values, culture, and morality.

CMCF's chairman, Media Prima group managing director Datuk Rafiq Razali, stated that clear guidelines would provide filmmakers and investors with the confidence to innovate and invest. Razali explained that when the expectations and limits are well understood, creators are more willing to explore daring concepts.

The forum also applauded the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) and the Film Censorship Board (LPF) for adopting a more forward-thinking approach. This includes a greater emphasis on age classification, which CMCF sees as granting filmmakers more freedom while still keeping viewers informed.

CMCF vice-chairman and Film Directors Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki noted that filmmakers need the space to tackle difficult or sensitive stories that mirror real life. The critical aspect is to furnish audiences with clear information about what they are watching and its appropriateness, while granting filmmakers ample room to tell their stories honestly and responsibly, Shauki said.

CMCF advocated for safeguards for children not solely relying on parental oversight. They urged platforms to provide user-friendly features like child profiles, PIN controls, and content filters. CMCF CEO Mediha Mahmood emphasized that parents also need to take age ratings seriously. She highlighted that children still attend films unsuitable for their age, despite the potential harmful effects of exposure to certain material. Mahmood stressed that ratings and parental controls should be made more apparent and user-friendly.

The CMCF expressed readiness to bring together filmmakers, broadcasters, streaming platforms, regulators, and child-safety experts to devise a strategy that grants creators more liberty while safeguarding audiences.