FINAS approves RM1.25 million for nationwide film workshops, targeting youth and creating jobs through the MADANI Generation Catalyst Fund.
KOTA KINABALU: The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) has approved RM1.25 million from its 2025 budget to launch pilot Film Community and Creative Youth Workshops.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced that 25 associations and companies have been selected across 25 locations nationwide.
The programme includes 11 workshops in Sabah, four in Selangor, two each in Perak and Kuala Lumpur, and one each in Pahang, Kelantan, Penang, Melaka, Kedah and Sarawak.
“The programme will run until December 2026, with plans to expand to 240 locations nationwide,” Teo said at the closing ceremony of the workshops at the Sabah branch of the National Department for Culture and Arts.
She added that this reflects the government’s long-term commitment to nurturing the creative industry.
The pilot programme received 225 applications, including 11 from Sabah which were allocated RM550,000.
It is expected to engage 330 local creative youths in Sabah this year, with over 70% of digital content creators aged 18 to 35.
Separately, FINAS is implementing the RM5 million MADANI Generation Catalyst Fund to support young filmmakers.
The fund supports works that promote unity, social harmony, national identity and positive MADANI values.
“During the application period from Aug 19 to Sept 12, we received 265 project proposals,” Teo said.
In Sabah, six projects have been approved with RM900,000 in funding.
These projects cover telemovies, documentaries and short films expected to generate 130 new jobs.
Teo also presented participation certificates to workshop attendees and letters of offer to six recipients of the MADANI Generation Catalyst Fund. – Bernama
