New National Film Policy Targets Market Expansion, Alternative Funding

PETALING JAYA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The National Film Policy (DFN) 2026-2035, which focuses on alternative funding models, expanded market access, and the adoption of technology, including artificial intelligence, is expected to be launched later this year following Cabinet approval.

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the policy is in its final stages of preparation following a two-year engagement process.

“Insya-Allah, we will launch this National Film Policy within the year,” he told reporters following a stakeholder engagement session at Menara FINAS Damansara in Petaling Jaya.

He said DFN 2026-2035 encompasses more than 70 initiatives across five core pillars: Financing and Investment; Marketing and Promotion; Industry Collaboration and Technology; Human Capital Development and Management; and Governance and Legislation.

Key priorities under the policy include developing alternative financing models, expanding market access, adopting advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, offering workforce training and certification, and strengthening intellectual property protections.

Azmir said that once finalised, the policy will be submitted to the Communications Minister for approval, then presented to the Cabinet as the final step before its launch.

He noted that the new policy builds upon the previous National Film Policy introduced in 2005, following Malaysia’s original film strategy established in the 1980s.

He added that the formulation of the National Film Policy 2026–2035 involved extensive consultation with industry players, stakeholders, government agencies, and relevant ministries to ensure the proposed initiatives do not overlap or conflict with existing policies and jurisdictions.

“The process has taken one to two years, and we are now in the final stage alongside Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA).

“In this final phase, we will engage a copywriter to compile the document into a formal publication before submitting it to the Cabinet,” he said.

Azmir said feedback from today’s engagement session focused primarily on editorial refinements to clarify each initiative, including calls to outline the framework for cooperation between FINAS and industry associations in greater detail.

DFN 2026-2035 marks Malaysia’s third national film strategy, and its first legislative update since 2005.

The policy sets out a core philosophy to make Malaysia’s film sector accessible to the public, fostering a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive industry with greater international recognition.

It also positions the film industry as an engine of economic growth, a platform that reflects Malaysia’s multicultural identity, and a driver of national unity.

-- BERNAMA