Local Movie Producers Urged To Collaborate With Foreign Counterparts

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- Local movie producers have been encouraged to establish cooperation with foreign film makers, especially from India, in an effort to strengthen the industry. In making the call Thursday, Deputy Information, Communications and Culture Minister Maglin D'Cruz said India was one of countries which had vast expertise in producing films and talented actors as well. "With the experience and expertise gained from the cooperation, we will be able to produce a variety of films and penetrate international markets," he said at a press conference on Ops Kossa Dappa-3 "The Final Dappa" movie, here Thursday. Ops Kossa Dappa-3 "The Final Dappa" is the first Malaysian Tamil international movie combining local and Indian artistes. The ministry, through the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) would always support local efforts, to ensure the success of collaborations with foreign producers, said D'Cruz. "Finas is striving to turn Malaysia into a film-maker's paradise by showcasing its rustic settings, low-cost production facilities and unique multicultural mix of people," he said. Meanwhile the movie's director, K. Annan said the movie was completed in only 25 days, with 50 percent of shooting done in Finas facilities and the rest in Tasik Chini, Pahang, at a cost of RM800,000. Local cinemas are set to screen it in June while India has scheduled it for July or August. (US$1=RM3.05) -- BERNAMA