FFM 31 is still postponed to next year
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FFM 31 is still postponed to next year

Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri wants to focus on regenerating the economy before FFM 31.
Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri wants to focus on regenerating the economy before FFM 31.

22 Jun – Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri, CEO of The National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), has announced that the 31st Malaysia Film Festival or Filem Festival Malaysia ke-31 (FFM 31) will still be postponed to next year as the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to be fully contained.

According to Ahmad Idham, at the moment FINAS wants to focus on regenerating the economy first, especially in the film industry, as soon as film and television productions can be done as usual.


"I understand that there are countries like South Korea that hold "new normal" awards ceremonies, with social distancing. But we can't follow in their footsteps. Our country has not recovered from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"My mission is to regenerate the economy first. Once cinemas can resume operations, filming can be done like usual and television stations are more stable, only then I'll think about FFM 31," he said to BH Online.

Ahmad Idham also stated that movies released via digital platforms and satellite television services are still qualified to compete at the film festival.

"It's still film. Due to the global situation that disrupted cinema operations, film producers had to look for alternatives platforms since the movies were completed.

"I don't think it's an issue for these producers to compete. Furthermore, what they created was initially intended to be sold as a theatrical film," he added.

As previously announced, the film festival's award ceremony was supposed to be held last 18 April at Encore Melaka, where 67 movies were supposed to be competing in 32 categories.

(Photo source: Ahmad Idham Ahmad Nadzri's Facebook)


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