KUCHING: Produce films not only for entertainment purposes but also to boost the country’s economy, said former National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) director Datuk Kamil Othman.
He said those in the creative industry must also try to include elements of the Malaysian culture in films.
“For instance, the ways Koreans present their culture and food in their dramas has attracted audiences in Malaysia and all over the world.
“So, the creative industry players must look into all these aspects to promote the creative industry,” he said in response to a question raised during the P. Ramlee Chair Lecture Series (Siri Syarahan Kursi P. Ramlee) conducted via Google Meet application yesterday (29 June).
The lecture series was organised by the National Arts Culture and Heritage Academy.
Kamil also advised the creative industry players to look at the audiences and ensure what was produced could be understood by people from other countries when creating a film, a drama or a television series.
“Say, Malaysia produces a horror film which is scary to Malaysians. But the Indonesian audiences may not be frightened because their horror films are more terrifying,” he said.
Kamil revealed that before the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of 80 local films and hundreds of dramas were produced in a year.
“For these productions to be profitable, they have to be exported,” he pointed out.
Kamil said films like 2016 Ola Bola based on true events were examples of good films that could promote Malaysia to the world.
“We can also do a biopic film about Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first prime minister of Malaysia and the other leaders,” he suggested.
Kamil added that those in the creative industry must always be open minded and dedicated in their work so that they could go far in the industry.
