SAW TEONG HIN

Film Director

This is a very interesting time for the film industry. Given the numbers of young directors, directors of photography, actors and other practitioners, I am looking forward to exciting times ahead. In terms of official support, naturally there’s some uncertainty while the new administration consolidates.

Most filmmakers dream of a censorship-free environment but that is highly unlikely. I would be most happy with a supportive censorship system, one that will open up conversations much wider than at present. But arts practitioners will always continue to do what they do, whatever the situation is. Hopefully, the time will come when the momentum is strong enough for a new wave.

The international productions (being filmed in Malaysia) can only be good for growing and upgrading the industry’s skills base, as well as the obvious economic upsides. Any effort to improve, to take our industry to the next level, should be supported. Both sectors (government-endorsed arts and culture education, and private enterprises) should be involved to achieve something meaningful. For a start, a tax incentive should be a good encouragement for the private sector to be more involved in the arts. I believe that this would eventually lead to a stronger appreciation that can only be good for our industry.

I hope the next five years will see a nurturing of new talent and encouragement of diversity. I strongly believe that we are intrinsically Malaysian, and so long as we stay true to ourselves and not strive to unthinkingly ape conventions, the work will intrinsically be Malaysian.