04/07/2025

FRIDAY | JULY 4, 2025

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Tamil filmmakers starting to shine

KUALA Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said young film directors transitioning from digital platforms to the silver screen are playing a key role in raising the quality of local Tamil cinema. He said the new generation of creators has demonstrated an ability to deliver fresh, high quality stories, a sign of positive development in the Malaysian film industry. “The film I watched recently, Mirugasirisham , showcases the kind of quality often seen in works by first-time filmmakers. These are people who started out creating content for social media and now, they’re making films and the results are impressive,” he told Bernama. Azmir expressed admiration for the storytelling, direction and performances, adding that the quality was on par with Tamil movies from India. “The problem is this film hasn’t been widely promoted. Many of our viewers believe watching local films in cinemas isn’t worth it. But they should support these screenings, because the quality of o Quality of movies feature good storytelling, direction and performances on par with productions from India: Finas LUMPUR: National

our local productions is now truly (commendable),” he said. He also said Finas is inclusive in its support for local film development, regardless of language or genre. “We engage with the industry, including Tamil filmmakers, to understand current issues and trends.” He added that the improvement in quality and reception of local Tamil films is evident in the success of C4 Cinta , which recorded box office earnings of more than RM2.5 million last year. He also announced that the team behind the film Jagat is set to release two new projects this year. Mirugasirisham producer Dr Sai Suthan Krishnan said despite receiving good reviews from critics and audiences, local Tamil films have continued to record disappointing box office figures. “There are many emerging talents in Malaysia who are waiting for the right opportunity to showcase their filmmaking skills and tell stories that reflect our roots. “We discovered a script by Vijay Ganesh and a talented young team at Sage Heroes. With a passionate cast and crew, Mirugasirisham came to life after two years in production.” Sai Suthan also said the film has received positive feedback, with viewers praising its storytelling and technical execution. “Producers and filmmakers rely on box office statistics to inspire confidence among potential investors. It encourages them to support the next generation of filmmakers in creating works of international quality.”

Sai Suthan said Mirugasirisham received positive feedback, with viewers praising its storytelling and technical execution. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Malacca keen to revive ronggeng MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the state government welcomes an initiative by local artistes to revive the traditional ronggeng dance as a potential cultural tourism attraction. Islamic principles. “The idea of reviving ronggeng , or joget lambak as it is also known, is very interesting because it originated in Malacca but has been largely forgotten. So, we will (bring back) this traditional dance in an impromptu style, as long as it does not contravene hukum syarak (Islamic law).” He added that the proposal would be viewed with careful consideration to ensure the dance is promoted without violating

Department and several other parties. He also said ronggeng has artistic value and could be elevated as a state cultural asset alongside dondang sayang . “The dance incorporates pantun (traditional Malay rhyming verse), which helps promote and preserve Malay literary and performing arts.” – Bernama

He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the Bicara Seni Budaya discourse, held in conjunction with the Rentak Bertandak Antarabangsa Melaka cultural programme on Wednesday. Ab Rauf said the ronggeng dance revival could be carried out in collaboration with the Malacca branch of the National Culture and Arts