Blind filmmaker fights to reclaim place in creative industry after losing sight

Over three years after losing his sight, Malaysian actor and director Muhammad Iqbal Mazlan continues to attempt to reestablish his career in the creative industry. Iqbal, 37, gained recognition after winning the first season of television reality show 'Pilih Kasih' in 2009 and had worked in numerous dramas, telefilms, and theatre productions.

His career took a sharp decline in March 2023 when he suffered from frosted branch angiitis, a condition reportedly caused by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, resulting in the loss of his sight. Iqbal had been in good health prior to the incident and experienced a sudden onset of fatigue, eye pain, and subsequent blindness.

To regain his footing post-blindness, Iqbal underwent eye treatment and faced complications such as fluid accumulation in his lungs due to the medication prednisolone. Unfortunately, upon attempting to return to the film industry, Iqbal encountered difficulties as several production companies he had previously collaborated with ceased responding when he offered his services as a director, host, and voice-over artiste.

Iqbal expressed that many production companies had previously praised his work but suddenly distanced themselves from him, with one even stating, "We don't have any confidence in you," while others remained silent.

Despite these challenges, Iqbal discovered an opportunity to return to filmmaking when production company Art Ornament Sdn Bhd entrusted him with directing a film titled 'Jay (Buka Langkah)', which is expected to be released in January 2027. Iqbal maintains that his ability to visualize scenes and provide detailed instructions to the cinematographer enables him to continue bringing his creative vision to life despite his blindness.

The film's producer, Aida Othman, emphasized that Iqbal was selected based on his abilities, citing his skill in explaining characters, emotions, and messages to the audience.

However, opportunities for visually impaired individuals in the creative industry remain limited. According to the Social Security Organisation's employment records from 2020 to 2026, only five visually impaired individuals out of 716 placed in various sectors during this period were employed in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector.

Despite this low percentage, visually impaired individuals remain crucial contributors to the creative field. Lui Chee Chau, a 46-year-old musician and composer who has been visually impaired since infancy, also faces difficulties securing a permanent position in the creative industry despite having formal qualifications and over a decade of experience.