Banning ‘Primetime’ sabotages Malaysia’s creative economy

Local film distributor Antenna Entertainments recently announced that A24’s psychological thriller "Primetime" has been banned by Malaysia's Film Censorship Board (LPF). As a media studies scholar, I view this as a clear example of policy misalignment that actively harms the government’s economic plans. Another high-profile international asset has been erased from our market without any explanation.

The government needs to reconsider how these sudden decisions create risks that weaken the industry, and stop allowing unpredictable censorship to damage it from within. This move directly conflicts with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas)’s objectives. Just recently, Finas chairman Hans Isaac pushed for more government funding to bolster the local film scene and make Malaysian stories more competitive on the global stage.

The complete ban on "Primetime" is a stark policy contradiction that scares away investors. Instead of building a stable market, heavy-handed bans send a message to overseas studios that Malaysia’s theatrical scene is unpredictable and risky. This uncertainty stifles creativity, forcing filmmakers to self-censor to avoid having their projects permanently rejected.

If the government wants to see a return on its public investment, it must first ensure a consistent environment where filmmakers can safely take creative risks. From an educational point of view, removing complex works like "Primetime" – which examines vigilante media and the sensationalism around child exploitation – is harmful.

Banning a film doesn’t stop people from watching it. Instead, it pushes audiences to illegal online sources and foreign streaming services. By banning the movie, the government misses a chance to provide educational oversight and loses important box office revenue that goes to local cinemas and exhibitors. We’re essentially sending taxable entertainment money overseas, hurting the very ecosystem the communications ministry is trying to support.

If we want citizens to become critical thinkers, we can’t keep taking away the materials that teach them. We need to move beyond seeing film as simple entertainment. Finas CEO Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib recently said the censorship system is starting to open up, using age classifications like PG-18 more often instead of cutting parts out.

However, the ban on "Primetime" feels like a big step back from that progress. The LPF should switch to a clear classification system that doesn’t stifle open discussion. The board must publish detailed, logical reasons why content is restricted. If Malaysians can vote, pay taxes, and raise families, they should also be trusted to thoughtfully watch and criticize a movie.

Jamaluddin Aziz is a critical media studies scholar at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Centre for Research in Media and Communication and an FMT reader. The opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily represent FMT’s viewpoint.