#SHOWBIZ: Blockbuster year: Malaysian movies smash records with RM248mil box office surge

Malaysia's film industry witnessed an extraordinary boom in 2025, with cinema attendance soaring by an impressive 107.7 per cent to 14.83 million viewers, compared to 7.14 million in the previous year. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that local box office collections reached an all-time high of RM247.95 million, a substantial increase from RM166.57 million in 2024.

The success of major local blockbusters, including Blood Brothers: Bara Naga (RM73.64 million), Papa Zola The Movie (RM63.88 million) and Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (RM58.40 million), demonstrated that Malaysian films can create high-quality, entertaining content that resonates with audiences across various demographics. Teo expressed hope that this momentum would continue, stating that the RM1 million Creative Content Fund prize would be maintained for the Best Film winner at the upcoming 35th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM35).

The strong demand for local cinema persisted throughout 2025, with domestic films attracting 6.10 million viewers by July 2026 alone. Six titles had already surpassed the RM10 million mark in box office collections. Teo urged state governments and federal territories to follow the Federal Government's example under Budget 2027 by exempting entertainment duty for local screenings and theatre performances, in order to collectively support the growth of the local creative industry.

Reflecting on the festival's theme, Spectrum Of Cinema, Teo emphasized the diversity and richness of modern Malaysian film, which spans different communities, languages, and lived experiences. She concluded by highlighting that diversity is the industry's strength, and multiple forms of storytelling are necessary to represent Malaysia effectively. The FFM35 Awards Night is scheduled for November 21 at Istana Budaya.