KUALA LUMPUR: The Best Film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) category in the 28th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM28) is no less prestigious than Best Film.
So said the Malaysia Film Producers Association (PFM) chief executive officer N. Pansha.
He told NST this yesterday when asked to comment on Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Screenwriters’ Association’s (Penulis) claims that nominees in the Best Film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) award are deemed less worthy than those nominated in the coveted Best Film award.
Penulis also questioned the move, which it said was inconsistent with the spirit of 1Malaysia.
Pansha said it had always been the practice by PFM to emphasise Bahasa Malaysia films in FFM.
“FFM is about movies that are in the national language, as it is a national film awards ceremony.
“That is why films like Ola Bola which are largely in Chinese, Tamil and English, compete in the separate Best Film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) category,” he said.
The Best Film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) category was first introduced in 2011.
“In the past, we only had this single award. However, these films are becoming increasingly popular with viewers and they have unveiled promising new talents in acting and filmmaking.
“Therefore, we decided it was time to give more awards to them for their creativity.”
New at FFM this year are two new categories to cater to the growing popularity of non-Bahasa Malaysia movies. They are Best Screenplay (Non-Bahasa Malaysia Films) and Best Director (Non-Bahasa Malaysia Films).
In the running for both categories are all five movies nominated for Best Film (Non-Bahasa Malaysia) namely Ola Bola (with a total of 14 nominations in various categories), Jagat (9), The Kid From The Big Apple (9), Huat The Fish (4) and Maravan (3).
Meanwhile, the top five films nominated for Best Film award are Polis Evo (with a total of 10 nominations in various categories), Munafik (9), Mat Moto -- Kami Mat Moto Bukan Mat Rempit (8), Nota (5) and Jejak Warriors (4).
FFM28 is organised by the Malaysian Film Development Corporation (Finas) with the cooperation of PFM. Its theme is Transformasi Sinema Kita (The Transformation Of Our Cinemas).
The competing films are those produced between Jan 1, last year and March 31 this year. Ten technical awards will be given out at an awards event on Sept 1 in Finas, Jalan Ulu Klang, Selangor, while the other 17 awards, alongside four special awards, will be presented at the gala awards event on Sept 3 at the KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, yesterday actor, comedian and filmmaker Afdlin Shauki who was apparently ticked off by the segregation of films based on languages, announced on his Facebook account that he is boycotting the event this year.
“When will Malaysians, no matter the race, be truly recognised for their crafts as Malaysian artwork...”
“All the best to the nominees. Those who are not nominated because of stupidity... congratulations for making Malaysia feel proud of your work.
“FFM committee, good luck to you all too.”
Afdlin is not down for any nominations this year.