#SHOWBIZ: Hans Isaac: Finas to consider ending 'open door policy' for foreign films

KUALA LUMPUR: Following the disappointing box office performance of Blood Brothers: Bara Naga in Indonesia, despite it being Malaysia's highest-grossing film of 2025, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) is considering ending its 'open door policy' towards international films.
Its chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, 53, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of reciprocity in how Malaysian films are treated abroad, particularly in Indonesia.
"I'm saying this not just as Finas chairman but also as a filmmaker. We open all doors for them to screen their films in Malaysia," he told reporters when met recently.
"However, when we take our films abroad, although they grant us entry, the process, marketing, and structural hurdles are extremely challenging."
"For example, in Indonesia, they complicate the situation, whereas here in Malaysia, we have always made it very easy," he added.
Hans further said that if foreign countries make it difficult for Malaysian films to penetrate their markets, Malaysia should impose the same conditions on them.
"If they offer five slots, we'll offer five. If they give ten, we'll give ten. It has to be on a first-come, first-served basis."
"We can't reserve special slots for anyone. This is similar to the Mandatory Screening Scheme, which may also be considered for foreign films. However, implementing this will require processes, proposals, and a thorough review," he explained.
To further promote local films on the global stage, Finas plans to launch a major initiative around September or October.
"Finas will serve as a bridge between countries. We'll help film producers tap into larger markets, even beyond Indonesia," Hans added.
"Let's just put it that way for now. If Blood Brothers failed in Indonesia in terms of earnings, I'll prove that their audience was wrong. Finas will take the film to bigger markets elsewhere. Discussions are already underway."
It was previously reported that Blood Brothers, which grossed RM76 million at the box office in Malaysia, was screened in only 40 cinemas in Indonesia.
Its director, Syafiq Yusof, also revealed that fewer than five Malaysian films were screened in Indonesia in 2024, whereas over 100 Indonesian films entered the Malaysian market with ease.

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