Kuala lumpur: The Veteran Star Supertelefilm (STAR) Fund initiative, introduced by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), is seen as capable of empowering and strengthening the role of veteran artistes in the country's creative industry. FINAS chairman Datuk Hans Isaac highlighted the challenges veteran artistes face in securing job offers due to concerns over rating factors in the current market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current industry heavily relies on social media influencers and new actors, often sidelining veteran artistes who are perceived to have lower ratings. Despite this trend, the government and Finas maintain that veteran artistes, including actors, producers, directors, and crew, bring valuable experience that can be harnessed within the industry. Hans Isaac conveyed this sentiment during a filming observation of 'Makcik Lesen P', a supertelefilm produced by All Media Creation Sdn Bhd under the STAR Fund.
Hans Isaac further elaborated that rating concerns should not be a deterrent as the project is government-funded. "We are taking this risk to give such content a chance to be featured and to assess audience acceptance of productions involving veteran actors, while also opening up new market opportunities in the local content industry," he stated.
The STAR Fund offers up to RM200,000 for each project, with a stipulation that at least 60 percent of the workforce comprises artistes and crew aged 55 and above. Initially launched as a pilot project with RM1 million, the fund has since been increased to RM2 million, encompassing ten productions set to air on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
Veteran actress Datin Fadilah Mansor, 67, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting that it allows veterans like her to remain active in the industry. She remarked, "It is indeed a great feeling because we are still appreciated and remembered. With this fund, we have the chance to earn a living again, especially for veteran artistes who are almost forgotten." Mansor also highlighted the past challenges veteran actors faced in receiving fair compensation reflective of their experience and talent.