AFTER a year-long hiatus, the 33rd edition of the Malaysia Film Festival (FFM33) is set to take place on Dec 7 to recognise the best in local filmmaking.
The winner of the main category of Best Film will receive a Digital Content Fund (DKD) grant amounting to RM500,000.
National Film Development Corporation (Finas) CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib announced that the festival will feature 30 award categories, including the reinstated Best Documentary Award. This award aims to recognise and appreciate diverse genres and forms of work within the Malaysian film industry.
"What's more, we also agreed to present the theme of 'Emas' (gold) or the Evolution of Malaysian Cinema," he told the FFM33 press conference in Kuala Lumpur, recently.
The theme was chosen because gold also symbolises high value, quality, and significant impact. This reflects the aspirations of local filmmaker to create exceptional works.
"Through this theme, we not only celebrate excellent works of art but also encourage local arts practitioners to continue producing films with superior commercial and artistic value.
"In addition, we have carefully planned for the content of FFM33 to ensure that every programme organised will provide maximum benefit to everyone involved.
"It will cover many aspects from industry discussion sessions to creative forums, and all these activities will culminate with the awards night."
Azmir is also grateful to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for the support provided through tax deduction incentives for corporate sponsors.
"The tax deduction incentive on the accumulated sponsorship of FFM33 reaches up to RM5 million for sponsors who wish to contribute to the organisation of this year's edition of the festival.
"This is in line with FFM being a national-level film festival organised by the Communications Ministry via Finas to recognise excellence," he said.
Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has been selected as a strategic partner, as well as the official broadcaster, for the FFM33 awards night which will take place at Auditorium Seri Angkasa in Kota Media of Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur.
More than 100 films produced between Oct 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, are eligible to participate in the festival.