FINAS Hopes 2027 Budget Continues To Strengthen Film Ecosystem

From Norhidayyu Zainal

BEIJING, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) hopes the film and creative content industry will continue to receive attention in Budget 2027 to strengthen the industry's value chain and enhance the competitiveness of local productions.

FINAS chairman Datuk Dr Hans Isaac said government support is crucial to sustaining industry development programmes covering production, marketing, post-production, training and talent development.

He said any allocation provided should not be viewed solely as funding for FINAS as an agency, but as support for the national film ecosystem, which involves an estimated workforce of about 30,000 people.

“We hope that support for the development of the film industry can be maintained and strengthened, subject to the government's priorities and fiscal capacity.

“Such support is vital to spur economic activity within the industry, develop new talent and help Malaysian productions enhance their competitiveness in both local and international markets,” he told Bernama when met at the China-Malaysia Film Festival 2026, held in conjunction with the 12th Xingtan Cultural Season here.

Hans said FINAS is currently implementing several industry support initiatives, including the MADANI Youth Fund, Creative Content Fund and National Citra Production Special Fund (CITRA), in addition to assistance for marketing, post-production and training.

He said existing assistance mechanisms and their scopes need to be evaluated periodically to ensure they remain relevant amid technological advancements, changing content consumption patterns and evolving business models in the creative industry.

Hans said FINAS is also exploring appropriate areas for improvement to support content production for digital platforms, particularly works that fall within the scope of film activities and meet established eligibility criteria.

“The changing industry landscape requires a more responsive approach. Any improvements to the funding mechanism must be made carefully, based on industry needs, measurable impact and good governance,” he said.

Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9.

Meanwhile, Hans said FINAS is examining the potential to optimise the use of facilities at the FINAS Complex in Hulu Kelang, Selangor, to support training, talent development and the technical needs of the industry.

He said the assessment also includes the possibility of providing shared facilities for industry associations requiring space to conduct their organisational activities.

However, he stressed that any implementation would be subject to a feasibility study, space availability, financial capacity, selection criteria and approval from the relevant authorities.

“We want FINAS’s assets and facilities to be utilised optimally to support industry development. At the same time, implementation must be carried out in an orderly and transparent manner based on actual needs,” he said.

In a related development, Hans said the National Film Policy is being refined through the appropriate processes as part of efforts to strengthen the direction and competitiveness of the local film industry.

-- BERNAMA