Finas launches 16-day programme to groom new generation of Malaysian filmmakers

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) has inaugurated Projek Sinema: Pencetus Aspirasi Filem Malaysia, a 16-day immersive programme aimed at nurturing fresh talent within Malaysia's creative content sector. Spanning from Sept 7 to Oct 1, this four-week initiative bridges the chasm between academic knowledge and the practicality of the film industry by offering participants hands-on experience in various production stages, from pre-production to post-production.

Covering idea development, scriptwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, producing, and marketing, alongside guidance on submitting work to international film festivals, the programme equips 24 participants, selected from 49 applications, with structured training and mentorship focused on four key filmmaking areas.

During the inaugural week, participants will concentrate on idea development and scriptwriting under the tutelage of Mira Mustaffa and Maizura Ederis. The second week will delve into acting, guided by Sherie Merlis and Bella Rahim, followed by directing and cinematography during the third week, under the guidance of Ghaz Abu Bakar and Nik Amir Mustapha. The concluding week will focus on producing, with Lyn Nasihin and Denes Kumar serving as mentors.

Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac emphasized the significance of such programs in cultivating the upcoming generation of Malaysian filmmakers, stating, "The intention of a project like this is key to developing our industry. We want new filmmakers and we want to know where these filmmakers are going." He further elucidated that while the industry provides funding and opportunities, Finas also aims to foster filmmakers who are innovative and break away from conventional norms.

The 24 participants will be grouped into six teams, each tasked with creating a short film as the program's culminating project. The 16-day programme, set to take place at Menara MyIPO in Petaling Jaya, concludes with participants being placed with production houses under the Dana Kandungan Kreatif (DKK) to gain practical experience working alongside seasoned industry professionals.