The impact of globalization on the Malaysia film industry

Abstract

Malaysia’s film industry has a very long history. Its first film Laila Majnun was produced in 1933 and directed by BS Rajhans - an Indian director. After various companies produced that more Malay films. The acceptance of Malay film by local audiences has convinced China filmmaker Shaw Brothers to set up a studio and a company - Malay Film Production (MFP) that became a cornerstone in the local movie industry. Local films industry reached its pinnacle in the early 50s, and 60s with the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee weaving its magic in producing award-winning films such as Pendekar Bujang Lapok, Anaku Sazali and Ibu Mertuaku that won him The Most Versatile Artist in 1962. The local film industry plummeted with the demised of the late P. Ramlee and shutdown of Merdeka Film Production. Other factors contributed to the downwards are the globalization of imported foreign films from Hollywood and Bollywood, introduction of television, union-employer disagreement and breaking Singapore from Malaysia. Malaysia imported more than 300 foreign films mostly from Hollywood and Bollywood. There is no policy to stop the local company from showing Hollywood and Bollywood movies in the local cinema. Viewing habit in Malaysia is influenced by race and segmented especially local movies but all races will watch Hollywood movies. This viewing habit does not help local film industry and based on tickets sold, Hollywood movies (blockbusters) are top of the table raked more than RM20 million ringgit per movie. Under the government economic transformation programme to become a high-income nation in 2020, the creative industry has been chosen because of its potential to contribute to economic growth as shown by Hollywood. The National Film Policy and National Creative Industry Policy have given impetus to propel growth in the local film industry. Under Budget 2012 government has allocated RM200 million under National Creative Industry Policy to spur the industry. The local film industry is facing numerous challenges that can hindrance its growth. Top of the problem is production cost per film, which is low compared to other producing countries such as South Korea and Thailand. The purpose of this research is to compile data from the local film industry and to create a comprehensive ecosystem model for the industry to become vibrant.