Malaysia Film Festival

Last updated

Malaysia Film Festival / Festival Filem Malaysia (FFM)
Awarded forExcellence in film achievements
Country Malaysia
Presented byFINAS, GAFIM
First awarded13 April 1980
Website https://www.finas.gov.my/festival-filem-malaysia/   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Malaysia Film Festival (FFM; Malay : Festival Filem Malaysia) is an annual awards ceremony organized by the Entertainment Journalists Association of Malaysia to honour excellence in Malaysian film. [1] It is considered to be Malaysia's own equivalent to the Academy Awards and it is one of the major entertainment awards presented in Malaysia, alongside the Anugerah Bintang Popular for the entire entertainment industry (similar to the Anugerah Skrin) and Anugerah Industri Muzik for the music industry.

Contents

The events used to be hosted by the Persatuan-Persatuan Kebudayaan mainly in Singapore to recognise excellence in the film industry especially Malay films. Upon the establishment of the Entertainment Journalists Association of Malaysia, FFM was appropriately schemed and outlined in a way to help and oversee the progress of Malaysia's own Malay films, in which their production and direction by the Malaysian people itself would be able to compete with those of international films brought into the nation. [2]

The first Malaysia Film Festival (or FFM1) ceremony was held on 11–13 April 1980, at the Nirwana Ballroom, Hilton Hotels in Kuala Lumpur to honour outstanding film achievements during the period. The most recent ceremony, honouring films made in 2014 were held at Plenary Hall, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur on 5 September 2015.

History

The first awards were presented on 13 April 1980, at the Nirwana Ballroom, Hilton Hotels as a closing ceremony for the first festival ever in which the opening ceremony on 11 April, was being opened officially by the then Minister of Information, Tan Sri Mohammad Rahmat at the Federal Cinema of Kuala Lumpur. During this first awards and festival ceremony, only sixteen films were competing and awards were divided into three categories which are Heavy Drama (HD), Light Drama (LD) and Comedy (K). [2]

At the time of the hosting of the third ceremony, FFM was no longer being organised by Entertainment Journalists Association of Malaysia, but instead taken over by Malaysia National Film Development (FINAS) after the second organisation of the awards ceremony. [3] FINAS stood alone in organising the next three ceremonies notably starting from 1982 up to 1984. In the beginning of the FFM6, the ceremony was once again taken over by a different organiser, this time by the Federation of Film Artistes’ Association of Malaysia (GAFIM) after its establishment with the collaboration of FINAS. [2]

The FFM 7, which was held on 6 December 1987, was the first to be held outside of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The event was held in Malacca.

The first Best Actor category was won by Jins Shamsuddin for his performance in Tiada Esok Bagimu ; while Azean Irdawaty took home the Best Actress trophy for her performance in Esok Masih Ada . [4]

Trophy statuette

Design

The FFM main trophy's physical design consists of four pillars that merge to open the lock together at the top of the circle globe. Part of the base is engraved with each category winner. The pillars are made of gold coated pewter and are designed to resemble film rolls, symbolising the rapid growth of the local film industry. These four pillars also represent the four main stages of film production namely pre-production, production, post-production and promotion.

The trophy is made of black acrylic, gold plated pewter and white acrylic. It stands at a height of 13 inches and a width of 4 inches.

Awards contested

Among the contested awards in the festival:

Prime awards

There are 13 contested awards:

Creative awards

There are 12 contested awards:

Controversy

Backlash for Best Film and Best Non-Bahasa Film categories

On 3 August 2016, the nominees list for the 28th Malaysian Film festival was revealed to the public. It came to attention that Jagat and Ola Bola , both of which were critically acclaimed and the latter being one of the highest grossing domestic films of all time, were disqualified from the Best Film category of FFM28 to be put instead in the Best Non-Bahasa Malaysia Film category. The reasoning given was that the films had not followed the criteria amount of the Bahasa Malaysia used, which is around 70 percent. The move was deemed to be undeserving and thus received intense backlash from both filmmakers and netizens alike, particularly from the Screenwriters Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (PENULIS) whose president Alfie Palermo had lambasted it as "racist". [5] [6] Although the criticism for the categories is not recent (the 'Best Picture, non-Bahasa Malaysia' category had been established in 2011 where as the 'Best Screenplay' and 'Best Director' awards with the same subcategory were created in this award), [5] this year's awards was the first time that the criticism for the categories had become so widespread.

Further suspicions of favouritism and conflict of interest also aroused from the fact that the nominees were put forward by the head of the Malaysian Film Producers Society (PFM), Yusof Haslam, who also owns SKOP Productions where two entries for the Best Film Category, Mat Moto and Munafik happened to be produced. [5] Yusof however denied such allegations, stating that it was FINAS's authority to elect juries for the awards. [7] He had also offered to resign from the post next year should the problem persist. [7]

In expressing dissatisfaction for the list, director Afdlin Shauki had announced in his Facebook page on 4 August that he will boycott the festival. [8] The move was lauded by CIMB Group chairman Nazir Razak and Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes. [9] The protest was also joined by cinematographer Mohd Nor Kassim, who was nominated for his work in Bravo 5, stating that the nominations' segregation by language "gave the impression that Malays were afraid of competing with non-Malays". [10] Nor Kassim later returned his previously won awards, wrapped in a black plastic bag, to FINAS director Kamil Othman during the Tanya FINAS 2.0 forum in Kuala Lumpur. [11] The assistant-general secretary of the Film Directors' Association of Malaysia (FDAM), Hafiz Ibrahim had also resigned in protest. [12] On 6 August, Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak stated to the press that he will meet up with FINAS officials over the increasingly volatile issue. [13]

On 11 August, Salleh Said had announced in a press statement to BERNAMA that the Best Film Category shall be open to all entries regardless of language. FINAS also decided to cancel all "Non-Bahasa Malaysia" subcategories for the Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture awards and create a new Best Picture in the National Language category in their place. [14] This counterreaction however upset the Film Directors' Association of Malaysia (FDAM), where its secretary Datuk Rahim Awang announced that the guild will not take part in the ceremonies as the allowing of Bahasa and non-Bahasa films to compete in equal terms "was akin to insulting the Federal Constitution and showing disrespect to the Rukunegara". [15] One of its excos and special project bureau head, Jeffrey Chiang submitted his letter of resignation to avoid association with the guild despite not agreeing himself with FDAM's stance. [16]

In 2017, FINAS's director-general Fauzi Ayob had announced that a new encompassing category called "Best Film" will replace the two aforementioned Best Film categories in upcoming future awards, stating in a press conference that "this move will allow all nominees to compete on equal grounds". [17]

Related Research Articles

KRU is a Malaysian pop boy band formed in 1992. The group comprises three brothers, namely Datuk Norman Abdul Halim, Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim'. Apart from revolutionising the Malaysian music scene with their blend of pop, R&B and hip hop, Dato' Norman Abdul Halim heads a successful business empire, KRU Studios, with Dato' Yusry Abdul Halim specialising in film, media content and live events, whilst Edry Abdul Halim is a successful composer/producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filem Negara Malaysia</span>

The National Film Department of Malaysia, abbreviated FNM, sometimes Jabatan Filem Negara (JFN) or informally the Malaysian Film Unit; was a Malaysian state-owned film organization. It is the country's first film studio and the government department under the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, which was responsible for the filming and documentation of national events as well as producing factual and unscripted contents. In its heyday, FNM became the country's most prominent film agency. Its corporate emblem features a jumping Malayan tiger, which was synonymous with the agency and its headquarters were located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosyam Nor</span> Malaysian actor, television host and film producer

Datuk Mohamed Noor bin Shamsuddin, known professionally as Rosyam Nor, is a Malaysian actor, television host and film producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Film Development Corporation Malaysia</span> Malaysian government agency

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, abbreviated FINAS, is the central government agency for the film industry of Malaysia. Its role is to regulate economic matters related to the film industry in Malaysia. FINAS is similar to the Motion Picture Association of America in the United States. In 2013, the corporation was merged with Filem Negara Malaysia (FNM) to form a sole film agency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Afdlin Shauki</span> Malaysian actor, filem director, singer, songwriter, television presenter, comedian and politician

Dato' Afdlin Shauki bin Aksan is a Malaysian producer, screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, and television presenter and politician.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaclyn Victor</span> Malaysian singer

Jaclyn Joshua Thanaraj Victor is a Malaysian singer, actress and businesswoman who won the inaugural Malaysian Idol, Ikon Malaysia, Gegar Vaganza Season 9 & Gegar Vaganza All Stars. As the winner of Malaysian Idol, she won a recording contract with Sony BMG Music Entertainment. She represented Malaysia in the first Asian Idol and Ikon Asean. She has been dubbed "Asia's Divette" for her vocal prowess and a legend in Malaysia.

Adibah Noor Mohamed Omar was a Malaysian singer, actress and master of ceremonies. She made her start in the entertainment industry in 1995 and had gone on to star in films such as Sepet and Gubra.

Noraishah "Nasha" Abdul Aziz is a Malaysian model and an actress. She was born in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Rosiah Chik or Rosiah Abdul Manaf (1931–2006) was Malay traditional singer particularly of asli and ghazal songs, made famous in the 1960s–1970s in Malaysia. She was also known as Mak We among the people of the industry and her fans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bront Palarae</span> Malaysian actor, director, screenwriter, and producer

Nasrul Suhaimin bin Saifuddin, known professionally as Bront Palarae, is a Malaysian actor, film director, screenwriter and producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Communications and Digital</span>

The Ministry of Communications and Digital is a ministry of the Government of Malaysia that is responsible for digitalisation, communications, multimedia, radio broadcasting, digital terrestrial television broadcasting, other media broadcasts, information, personal data protection, special affairs, media industry, film industry, domain name, postal, courier, mobile service, fixed service, broadband, digital signature, universal service, international broadcasting, and content.

<i>Bunohan</i> 2012 film by Dain Iskandar Said

Bunohan is a Malaysian Malay-language action drama film, written and directed by Dain Iskandar Said and released in Malaysia on 8 March 2012. The film features actors Faizal Hussein, Zahiril Adzim and Pekin Ibrahim in leading roles. Bunohan is the second film to be directed by Dain Said. Bunohan had its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival where it was praised for its solid, visceral storytelling and arresting photography.

<i>Men Who Save the World</i> 2014 film

Men Who Save the World is a 2014 Malaysian Malay-language comedy film written and directed by Liew Seng Tat. The film was nominated for multiple awards in international film festivals, and won several awards at the 27th Malaysian Film Festival, including Best Picture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sangeeta Krishnasamy</span> Malaysian actress and model

Sangeeta Krishnasamy is a Malaysian actress and model. She did a small role in Kollywood movie after making an appearance in Venkat Prabhu's hit Goa and as the female lead in ZHA among famous South Indian film actors. In 2015 she was the female lead for two hit Malaysian Tamil movies Vetti Pasanga & Vennira Iravugal. Vennira Iravugal became an acclaimed Malaysian Tamil movie after it was screened in several film festivals around Europe and won a special jury award at the Norway Tamil Film Festival in 2014, subsequently taking home all 5 awards in all categories at the Malaysian Kalai Ulagam Awards in 2015. She is amongst the top actresses in the Malaysian Film Industry.

<i>Polis Evo</i> 2015 Malaysian film

Polis EVO is a 2015 Malaysian Malay-language buddy cop action comedy film directed by Ghaz Abu Bakar and written by Joel Soh, Kyle Goonting, Anwari Ashraf and Adib Zaini. The film casts includes Shaheizy Sam, Zizan Razak, Nora Danish, Mimi Ernida, Hushairy Hussein and Pablo Amirul. The film tells the story of two police officers, Inspector Khai and Inspector Sani who have very different personalities but are forced to work together to bring down a drug trafficking operation. The film was released theatrically on September 17, 2015, nationwide.

<i>Jagat</i> (2015 film) 2015 Malaysian film

Jagat is a 2015 Malaysian crime drama film. Set in the early 1990s, the story follows a mischievous 12-year-old boy named Appoy and his relationships with his father, Maniam, and his uncles, former drug-addict Bala and local gangster Dorai. The boy faces pressure from his father to focus on school, but he is drawn to his uncle's life of crime.

<i>Ola Bola</i> 2016 Malaysian film

Ola Bola is a 2016 Malaysian Malay-language sport drama film directed by Chiu Keng Guan starring JC Chee, Luqman Hafidz, Saran Kumar, Marianne Tan, Katrina Ho, Frankie Lee and Bront Palarae. The film was inspired by the glories of the Malaysia national football team which successfully entered the 1980 Summer Olympics. The film was released in Malaysian cinemas on 28 January 2016. As of November 2019, Ola Bola is currently ranked the tenth-highest grossing Malaysian film of all-time.

<i>Munafik</i> 2016 supernatural horror film directed by Syamsul Yusof

Munafik is a 2016 Malaysian Malay-language supernatural horror film directed by Syamsul Yusof. It was his ninth film as well as his second horror film after Khurafat (2011) and also the first film in a planned Munafik trilogy. It stars Syamsul himself, Fizz Fairuz, Pekin Ibrahim and Nabila Huda. The film depicts Adam, a Muslim medical practitioner who is unable to continue with his job and accept the reality of his wife's death. After he meets Maria, unsettling things start to happen.

<i>Vedigundu Pasangge</i> 2018 Malaysian film

Vedigundu Pasangge is a 2018 Malaysian Tamil language crime comedy film. It was the final instalment of Pasangge trilogy film series after Vilayaatu Pasange (2011), and Vetti Pasanga (2014). Vimala Perumal directed the movie with an ensemble cast including Sangeeta Krishnasamy, Denes Kumar, David Anthony, and Thangamani Velayuda. Music and background music were scored by composer duo Vivek–Mervin.

References

  1. ↑ "About FFM". Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS). Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 "Festival Filem Malaysia Kini Membanggakan". Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS), Kementerian Penerangan, Komunikasi Dan Kebudayaan, I-Insan Multimedia SDN BHD. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  3. ↑ "FINAS: About Us" . Retrieved 17 January 2011.
  4. ↑ "1st Malaysian Film Festival (1980)". Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS). Archived from the original on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 Ect, Deric (4 August 2016). "Festival Filem Malaysia disqualifies Jagat and OlaBola from Best Picture, nominates 'Mat Moto' instead". The Daily Seni. The Daily Seni. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  6. ↑ "'Divisive' film awards panned". The Star . Star Media Group Berhad. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  7. 1 2 Hasbullah Awang Chik (8 August 2016). "Demi Allah saya tidak tahu juri festival filem, kata Yusof Haslam". The Malay Mail (in Malay). Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  8. ↑ Afdlin Shauki (4 August 2016). "Mintak Maaf, Tahun Ini Saya Boikot FFM". www.facebook.com (in Malay).
  9. ↑ Hemananthani Sivanandam (6 August 2016). "Big guns back Afdlin's stand". The Star . Star Media Group Berhad. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  10. ↑ Boo, Su-Lyn (5 August 2016). "'Best Cinematography' nominee withdraws from 'racist' FFM". The Malay Mail . Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  11. ↑ Hasbullah Awang Chik (9 August 2016). "Mohd Noor returns FFM trophies, says 'ashamed as a Malay'". The Malay Mail . Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  12. ↑ "Film Directors' Association official quits over language segregation issue". The Star . Star Media Group Berhad. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2016.
  13. ↑ Brown, Victor (6 August 2016). "Salleh Said to meet Finas over film segregation issue". The Star . Star Media Group Berhad. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  14. ↑ "FINAS scraps 3 FFM28 categories, creates new 'Best Film in National Language' category". New Straits Times . New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  15. ↑ Loshana K. Shagar; Niezam Abdullah (12 August 2016). "FDAM upset over change in film fest rules". The Star . Star Media Group Berhad. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  16. ↑ Lim, Ida (12 August 2016). "As FDAM insists on BM films for national award, yet another official quits". The Malay Mail . Malay Mail Online. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  17. ↑ Yeoh, Angelin (13 September 2017). "Finas drops Best Malaysian Film and Film In National Language categories". The Star. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.