#SHOWBIZ: FFVPM14 offers RM50,000 grant to nurture Malaysia's next generation of filmmakers

KUALA LUMPUR: The winner of the 14th Malaysian Student Film and Video Festival (FFVPM14) will receive a RM50,000 Short Film Production Grant under the Madani Generation Catalyst Fund to help young talent produce quality works.

National Film Development Corporation (Finas) chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib said in addition to the grant, RM25,000 in cash prizes and trophies will be awarded across 22 categories.

"All these prizes are provided by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with Finas through the Madani Community Creative Youth Programme.

"I hope these prizes will open up opportunities for the winners to develop their ideas into new works," he said at the FFVPM14 press conference at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) recently.

"We hope this support will encourage young talent to continue producing quality works, while motivating winners to develop their potential through industry mentorship."

Hosted by Aswara's Faculty of Creative Writing and Film, with the support of Finas, the two-day festival will run from Nov 12 at the academy's Main Lecture Hall and Experimental Theatre.

Aswara Rector Datuk 'Ainu Sham Ramli said the academy is honoured to be entrusted as host once again, having last organised the festival in 2006.

"FFVPM14 is a manifestation of the collaboration between Aswara and Finas in unearthing young talent and developing creative human capital in the nation's film industry.

"This partnership was further strengthened through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between both parties on Oct 12.

"This effort aligns with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's aspirations to empower the creative industry and elevate the excellence of the nation's arts, culture and heritage."

'Ainu said FFVPM14, held in conjunction with the 35th Malaysia Film Festival, has received encouraging response, with 177 entries from 35 higher education institutions and secondary schools nationwide.

"These entries prove the immense potential of the younger generation to lead the future of Malaysian cinema.

"FFVPM14 will also feature exciting programmes, workshops, masterclasses, industry forums and an awards night."

She thanked Finas, RTM and Aswara's Faculty of Creative Writing and Film for their commitment to making the festival a success.

"May it serve as a catalyst for the birth of a credible and competitive generation of filmmakers for the future of Malaysian cinema."

Among those set to enliven the FFVPM14 gala night are Floor 88, Amirul Affendi, 'Baga: Esok Untuk Siapa' and 'One Cent Thief' director Ariff Zulkarnain and Aiman Arif, who won Best Editor at the 34th Malaysia Film Festival, alongside Zulin Aziz and Kai Hassan.