20/06/2025

FRIDAY | JUNE 20, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

24

LYFE

Being P. Ramlee

H ITTING domestic big screens yesterday, Mencari Ramlee is not a heavy art film but rather a fictional account of the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee. Director and actor Megat Sharizal Mohamed Yusoff said the storyline of his directorial debut is easy to understand and has the potential to spark an interest among the Alpha generation (those born from 2010 onwards) to get to know the nation’s iconic actor-singer. “Usually, our people are more comfortable watching horror or action films. Do not be afraid to watch Mencari Ramlee. It is an entertaining film but more importantly, it will enable the younger generation to find out who P. Ramlee was. “Many from the Alpha generation today do not know who P. Ramlee is. So when they watch this film, it might trigger their curiosity to learn more about him and revisit his works. At the same time, we must also appreciate the artistic talents that came after him,” he said at the film’s recent premiere. He urged the younger generation and fans of Malay cinema to support his debut film by watching the movie at the nearest cinema as the first three days are critical in determining the film’s continued screening. “Under the compulsory screening scheme, each cinema must achieve an audience attendance of at least 15% of total seat capacity, and if it falls below that, the screening can be withdrawn,” he said. e e t a o ch eir m me he m,” 2013, a total of 128 productions have been approved, including 76 local and 52 international projects, with over RM419 million in rebates disbursed and direct investments totalling RM2.71 billion. Despite regional competition from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Azmir remains confident in Malaysia’s unique advantages. “A skilled English-speaking workforce, economic stability and an efficient permit approval process via the Central Agency for Application of Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes are among the valued-added factors for the country being the preferred filming destination. “Malaysia offers attractive locations, cost-efficiency and a production-friendly environment. More importantly, we are building a complete ecosystem – from talent training and modern tech usage to post-production,” he said. To amplify Fimi’s global visibility, Azmir said Finas is also preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with Tourism Malaysia, which, among others, aims to position film not just as an entertainment product but also as a tourism promotion tool. “This partnership will promote

o Local filmmaker makes debut with unique movie about legendary actor-singer

As an independent filmmaker, Megat acknowledged that funding limitations were the main reason the film was shelved for two years. However, he is thankful for the RM1 million he received under the Digital Content Fund from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, which helped him complete the project and secure a release date. Mencari Ramlee begins its story the day after the passing of the late P. Ramlee on May 30, 1973. The film stars Tony Eusoff and Datin Sofia Jane in the lead roles as Zakaria and Zaiton, with Mimi Lana as Yasmin and Megat himself playing Yusuf, a mafia character. The story revolves around Zakaria, a P. Ramlee impersonator who faces financial troubles due to the declining popularity of the legendary actor-singer. Desperate to settle his debts with Yusuf, Zakaria agrees to pose as P. Ramlee to cheer up Zaiton – Yusuf’s sister – who suffers from amnesia and is a devoted fan of the late actor, mistaking Zakaria for the real P. Ramlee. Produced by Playground Film Sdn Bhd, the movie also features Han Zalini as Salleh, Abi Madyan as Joned and special appearances by Azhan Rani, Beto Kusyairy, Amerul Affendi, Bront Palarae, Sharifah Amani, Vanidah Imran and P. Ramlee’s granddaughter Najua. – Bernama M lim th Ho m Di Na Co he an th P. D Z L p Z w t to Z

Megat admitted to feeling nervous as he awaits audience reactions, but remains optimistic that the film will do well at the box office despite being made on a minimal budget. Citing the success of films such as Imaginur and Babah , he said both productions achieved box office success even with small budgets, and he expressed hopes for the same outcome for his film. Megat is optimistic about the film’s box office performance. – PIC FROM IMDB

The story revolves around Zakaria (left), a P. Ramlee impersonator who faces financial troubles due to the declining popularity of the legendary actor-singer. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MENCARIRAMLEE Malaysia eyes becoming regional filming hub, to raise local crew quota

MALAYSIA continues to cement its status as a leading regional hub for film production, successfully attracting foreign creative investments through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (Fimi), which is creating jobs and upskilling the local workforce. National Film Development Corporation (Finas) CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib revealed among the latest international productions to benefit from Fimi is the upcoming television series Lord of the Flies , produced by Sony Pictures and the British Broadcasting Corporation. The series was filmed in Langkawi, Kedah at the end of last year. “The production brought in more than 30 child actors from overseas, accompanied by parents and tutors, and rented a major hotel in Langkawi for nearly five months. “In accordance with Fimi’s requirements, the production also employed a significant number of local crew members,” he said. He said the initiative was made possible through a partnership between Finas and the Langkawi Development Authority, which provided basic film production courses to workers from the tourism sector. To further enhance local

participation, Azmir announced starting next year, the minimum quota for local crew involvement in foreign productions will increase from 30% to 40%. “This move will not only create more job opportunities for Malaysians, but also accelerate skills development by exposing local talent to international production standards,” he said. Since the introduction of Fimi in Azmir says starting next year, the minimum quota for local crew involvement in foreign productions will increase from 30% to 40%. – BERNAMAPIC

Lord of the Flies is an upcoming TV series and was filmed in Langkawi, Kedah at the end of last year. – PIC FROM IMDB

month. Similar talks are underway with India and Indonesia. “Our vision is for Malaysia to evolve into a regional hub not only for filming locations, but also for film education and technology in the next five years. “We want Malaysian crew to go international, local post-production companies to create content for Southeast Asia markets, and more local universities to become professional training centres for the industry,” he added. – Bernama

Malaysia as a filming destination while showcasing our tourism offerings to global audiences through movies shot here. “Upcoming efforts include organising a Malaysia Film Week overseas, with one slated to be held in Beijing this August, led by Finas chairman Datuk Hans Isaac,” he said. Azmir said Finas is also expanding international cooperation, including recent initiatives with China in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Malaysia last