Kuala Lumpur:The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has unveiled a new judging format for the 35th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM35), incorporating former winners to evaluate the 'Top 5' nominees in each category.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, FINAS chairman Datuk Dr Hans Isaac stated that the revamped format aims to align with the aspirations of the local film industry, enhancing the transparency and recognition of the judging process among industry peers. The new system involves bringing in previous FFM winners to assess the nominated works and performances, allowing industry players to select winners from among their peers.
The announcement was made during the launch of the FFM35 Top 5 nominees, officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching at Menara FINAS. The event was attended by notable figures including Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Deputy Secretary-General (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, and FINAS CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
FFM35 is set to feature over 80 local film entries, with the awards ceremony scheduled for November 21 at Istana Budaya and a live broadcast on RTM TV2. The Best Film award winner will receive RM1 million in Digital Content Fund (DKD) support, aimed at encouraging the production of high-quality works.
Dr Hans Isaac also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his support of the creative sector in the proposed Budget 2027, particularly concerning entertainment duty cuts or exemptions and other incentives. These initiatives are expected to rejuvenate the local film industry and help Malaysian films gain international recognition. FINAS is targeting at least four to five Malaysian films to enter international markets next year, supported by these allocations and funds.
Additionally, Datuk Azmir Saifuddin noted that Istana Budaya was selected as the venue due to its historical significance for the arts community and its recent reopening, along with a growing interest from viewers wishing to attend the festival.