KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Film Producers Association has urged Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil and his ministry to "speed up" the appointment of new leaders of the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).
Association president Panchacharam Nalliah, better known as Pansha, in a statement yesterday said with every change of government, there would be a new leadership team in Finas, but things needed to be "sped up" for the wellbeing of the film industry.
"It has been three months since the unity government took office, but there has not been any appointment of a new Finas team.
"The ministry must realise that time is of the essence, as the industry needs to move fast, particularly when it comes to the approval for the screening of new films under the Compulsory Screening Scheme," said Pansha.
He also said the ministry ought to make sure that state governments adhered to its decision to screen the upcoming film Pulau in cinemas nationwide.
"If a certain state government stops the screening of a film within its boundaries, it will not augur well for local and international film investors."
Pansha urged Fahmi to name the new Finas team in the "nearest possible time" so that the creative industry would be "in the know" as to who was in charge and what their policies for Malaysian filmmakers would be.
"Time is not on our side. Many film companies have invested millions of ringgit in new projects, but have yet to know when their films can be screened.
"We would be most grateful if the ministry does what is necessary for Finas, as the film industry's regulatory body."