PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian film and animation industry has the potential to go far comparable to international production standards, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.
She praised the local film scene for producing quality work, adding that she was proud of the industry’s growth.
“I am very proud of our film industry’s potential, especially with the local talents who have polished their skills and have taken them to such a great level.”
She told this to reporters today after a special screening of the animated feature film, Ejen Ali The Movie, with 50 disabled children from Taman Sinar Harapan home.
Also present were her husband and Port Dickson Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Media Prima Bhd (MPB) group chairman Datuk Syed Hussian Aljunid, group managing director Datuk Kamal Khalid, group executive director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, and Primeworks Studios chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar.
Dr Wan Azizah said Ejen Ali The Movie highlighted important social issues, including life lessons, family values and perseverance.
“The movie had a good storyline which emphasised important messages and lessons. I give the movie 4.5 stars,” she added.
Ejen Ali The Movie follows 12-year-old Ali, who after being accidentally recruited as a spy agent has now grown to embrace his role in secret agency Meta Advance Tactical Agency (MATA) to protect the futuristic city of Cyberaya from outside threats.
Now in its seventh week out, Ejen Ali The Movie had raked in over RM30 million, with screenings in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. The movie was co-produced by Primeworks Studios and WAU Animation Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Izham said he was grateful for the support given by the public and cinema chains to the movie, which had contributed to its huge success.
“We targeted only RM20 million, as we were going up against Hollywood blockbusters like Frozen 2, Jumanji: The Next Level, Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker, and Ip Man 4.
“But we’ve surpassed the target and I think even cinema companies were surprised by the response towards a local animation film,” he added.
He said Ejen Ali The Movie is still being screened in 50 cinemas nationwide, and in 101 locations in Indonesia.
“We are very proud of this achievement, and this proves that the local film industry is capable of competing with international movies,” said Ahmad Izham.