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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Film and Visual Association (Safva) expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity surrounding federal creative industry funding applications submitted by several Sabah filmmakers to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) in June and July this year, saying the applicants have yet to receive updates on their status.
Safva President Chester Pang said he had yet to receive confirmation on the outcomes of the applications, based on the information and feedback available to him.
He was commenting on the RM140 million allocation for the creative industry announced under the 2026 National Budget.
He said many film industry players in Sabah were seeking updates on their respective applications, as the uncertainty affected their ability to plan productions, secure financing and organise work schedules.
“I am rather disappointed that, to date, based on the information I have received, I still have no confirmation on the outcome of funding applications for several Sabah film productions.
“Those who applied want to know the status of their respective applications so that production planning, financing and work schedules can proceed in a more orderly manner,” he said in a statement here, Sunday.
Chester urged the relevant authorities to clarify the status of the applications and provide more details on funding opportunities available to Sabah-based producers and filmmakers.
He stressed that the issue was not merely about the amount allocated to the creative industry, but also whether the funds were accessible, the application process was transparent and the distribution of funding was effective for industry players nationwide, including those in Sabah.
Chester noted that several Sabah film producers and industry players had benefited from Finas funding schemes in 2025, including the Digital Content Fund (DKD) and the Catalyst Fund.
He estimated that more than RM2 million had been channelled towards projects related to Sabah through the schemes last year.
“The experience in 2025 showed that when funding opportunities are accessible, Sabah filmmakers are capable of producing works and developing local projects.
“We hope this momentum can continue in 2026. The industry in Sabah needs sustained support to enable local producers to plan productions sustainably, build expertise and create more job opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Safva welcomed Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil’s announcement of the RM15 million Creative Content Fund (DKK), which would open for applications on Nov 16, 2026.
Chester said the initiative could help stimulate local content production, create employment opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s creative industry, including the film sector.
He was commenting on the announcement made in conjunction with the 2026 Seri Angkasa Awards (ASA) Grand Finale at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).
According to Chester, government funding not only helped producers realise film and creative content projects but also had the potential to generate wider economic activity.
“Every film production involves an economic chain that includes creative and technical personnel, equipment rental, transportation, accommodation, food, support services, as well as film distribution and screening.
“When a production gets underway, the benefits are not limited to film industry players but also generate economic spillover effects for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local businesses,” he said.
He said Sabah’s film industry was gaining momentum as local filmmakers increasingly turned to self-financing, private investment and industry partnerships to bring their productions to the screen.
The growing willingness of local filmmakers to explore alternative funding sources reflected their determination to build a sustainable production ecosystem despite financial constraints and market challenges, he added.
“The short film Bas Malam, for example, demonstrates local producers’ efforts to explore private funding opportunities and introduce their work to audiences. The film “Mr. Finance”, directed by Jade Morris, is another local production made through self-financing that has entered the market,” he said.
Chester also cited “Bobohizan Next Generation”, directed by Marc Abas, as an example of continued efforts by Sabah filmmakers to produce content rooted in local stories and identity.
He said collaboration with the private sector, including cinema chain 10Star Cinemas, had created opportunities for local productions to reach audiences and explore commercial markets.
Meanwhile, “4x4 Seram”, produced by Q5 Quintuple Sdn Bhd, with Zahm Zulkifli serving as post-production producer, had received FINAS funding support for post-production, highlighting the role of targeted funding in helping productions progress from filming to completion.
He said the film was expected to reach audiences in June 2027, subject to the completion of post-production work and the finalisation of distribution and screening arrangements.
He added that two other projects, “Beri Aku Waktu”, directed by Dr Zairul Anwar, and “Kak Long KK”, directed by Deeva Khan, had recently completed filming through self-financing and investor support.
“These developments show that Sabah filmmakers are not merely waiting for government assistance. They are also working to secure investments, build business networks and find opportunities to bring local productions to market,” he said.
However, Chester stressed that sustained growth would require a stronger industry ecosystem, including better access to funding, production facilities, talent development, distribution channels and screening opportunities.
He said these elements were crucial to ensuring local filmmakers could continue producing content, expanding their market reach and strengthening Sabah’s presence in the Malaysian film industry.
