MELAKA, Dec 3 — The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) welcomes the future involvement of state governments in hosting the Malaysian Film Festival (FFM).
Its chairman Senator Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa said state governments should take the opportunity to host the FFM as it could indirectly provide a special attraction to the host state.
“It is the first time that (the FFM) was held outside of the Klang Valley, namely in Melaka and it is a bold step by Finas that wants to bring change and provide a breath of fresh air for this prestigious award.
“Therefore, if there are any states that are interested, come and meet Finas and we are very open to establishing cooperation in organising the award ceremony that recognises the excellence of the country’s film industry,” she said.
She said this in a press conference after the 32nd FFM Awards which took place at Encore Theatre Melaka, here late last night.
The event saw Spilt Gravy on Rice crowned as the Best Film and also won six other categories, namely Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress.
Tan Chui Mui bagged the Best Actress Award through the film Barbarian Invasion, while Datuk Adi Putra who portrayed Malay warrior, Mat Kilau in ‘Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan’ (Mat Kilau: The Rise of a Warrior) won the Best Actor Award.
Meanwhile, Zurainah said Finas would continue to support the country’s creative industry, in line with the aspirations of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who wants to bring progressive and dynamic change.
“As a government agency, Finas is ready for the changes brought by the new leadership and it is our hope that we will continue to be given support, encouragement and guidance to achieve excellence,” she said.
