Failing to pay crew, FINAS orders cinemas to postpone "Strike: Silat Cult Master"

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Failing to pay crew, FINAS orders cinemas to postpone "Strike: Silat Cult Master"

Writer: Heidi Hsia

FINAS CEO Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib

13 Feb - The National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) has released an order for 45 cinemas nationwide to postpone the screening of the latest action film, "Strike: Silat Cult Master", which was supposed to be released on 13 February.

FINAS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said the decision was made after the owner of the production company, Katana Film Sdn Bhd, Mallory Lee failed to make payments to about 50 crew members including the film's actors.

According to Azmir, Mallory's failure to settle the payment to the crew involved after three discussions led to his party issuing a suspension order until the issue was resolved.

"We received a complaint on 3 January from the crew and promptly called a meeting for the first time with the Malaysian Professional Film Workers Association (PROFIMA), Mallory and the crew. At the first meeting, we wanted the producer to set a date for payments. We were informed that the payment would be completed before the premiere on 6 February, but they still failed to pay it," he said.

Azmir stated that the crew even agreed to accept a 30 percent advance fee in their third meeting, but that it still did not come to fruition, which forced FINAS to request a postponement of the screening.

"I have informed everyone that this is a big issue because about 50 crew members are affected. However, on the night of the film gala, only the actors get paid and this has enraged the crew. We received information from the crew that approximately RM360,000 in payments have not yet been settled to everyone involved. But, after paying the actors, I'm not sure how much is left. Therefore, I have decided to tell the cinema to postpone the screening until this issue is resolved. I see this as affecting public order and not a positive situation," he said.

The film co-stars Fify Azmi

At the same time, Azmir encouraged film workers to go straight to FINAS or any other agencies related for any issues regarding their work.

"If it involves a professional complaint, you can first make it to FINAS via email, info@finas.my. Apart from that, you can do so through the association, police, MACC and the Labour Department (Manpower Department)," he said.

Earlier, several crew members of the film "Strike: Silat Cult Master", starring Aiman Ameer and Fify Azmi, posted on Facebook urging the production company to pay the outstanding balance of their salaries. They also showed protest by not attending the premiere of the film, which took place in Petaling Jaya on 6 February.