'Konspirasi': Association says 'first time' seeing producer request to withdraw film

 

A senior industry player has weighed in on the withdrawal of the MACC-inspired movie “Konspirasi” after only a week of screening in cinemas, saying no film producer has made such a request before.

Malaysian Film Producers Association CEO Zahrin Aris said past withdrawals before the end of the set screening period were done by exhibitors based on commercial considerations.

“This is the first time in my memory that a Malaysian film producer requested to pull out a movie before the end of the compulsory two-week screening,” Zahrin said in reference to a government policy that requires participating cinema operators to screen approved local films for a minimum period, giving Malaysian productions guaranteed access to cinemas.

“Konspirasi”, a thriller which follows an elite MACC team tasked with recovering sensitive data linked to corrupt politicians and overseas financial transactions, hit theatres on May 21. However, it was abruptly pulled on May 28.

"From a moral standpoint, the producer had already applied under the Mandatory Screening Scheme. They can't simply do whatever they like after that.

"The problem is that when something like this happens, it causes difficulties for everyone involved.

"It also affects other producers. Once a film has secured that screening slot, other producers are unable to release their films during that period,” Zahrin told Malaysiakini.

The scheme first came into force on June 23, 2005, under the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) regulations.

The regulations state exhibitors can remove a film under certain low-attendance conditions, but Finas previously said “Konspirasi” was withdrawn following a request from its producer.

What’s the reason?

Commenting further, Zahrin urged Finas to consider stern action against producers who withdraw their movies from cinemas without valid reasons.

“Typically, a film is withdrawn from screening due to factors such as censorship issues, legal disputes, serious public objections, or unforeseen circumstances that may affect the public interest.

“If there are valid grounds relating to any of these factors, the producer has the right to seek remedies through the appropriate legal channels, including applying for an injunction or a stay order from the courts,” he said.

“Therefore, any decision to withdraw a film that has been approved under the Mandatory Screening Scheme should be made in accordance with the prescribed procedures to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders, including audiences, cinema operators, promotional partners and the film industry as a whole, remain protected,” he added.

‘No external pressure’

On May 10, Harian Metro reported that then-outgoing MACC chief Azam Baki attended a special premiere of “Konspirasi” at TGV Alamanda, Putrajaya.

Azam, who officially retired on May 12, described the movie as one that MACC has "long awaited," noting that previous movies featured other enforcement agencies.

In the movie, veteran actor Roy Azman plays a character named Tuan Kamil, who is the MACC chief, and Azam had reportedly loaned Roy an original MACC uniform for the role.

Actor Roy Azman as MACC chief Tuan Kamil in the film ‘Konspirasi’

Yesterday, the movie’s producer, Elepfilm Entertainment, denied any external pressure behind the decision to pull the movie from cinemas.

“The decision was made internally by the management and was not for publicity or a marketing strategy,” Elepfilm Entertainment said, calling for an end to all speculations about the movie.

Cast and crew left in the dark

Separately, the film’s lead actor, Sarimah Ibrahim, said she is still waiting for an explanation from the producers, reportedly insisting that existing statements do not state a real reason for the withdrawal.

Sarimah said the cast and director were left in the dark despite being heavily involved in promoting the film.

“We still have not received an answer. Some people told us to ask the producer, and we did, but we still did not get an answer. Why is the film still being shown in Singapore? Only the producer can answer that.

“To this day, we are still waiting for an explanation from the producer. All the actors and the director are unaware of why the film was withdrawn.

“We only received the same statement as the public,” she was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

The film cast also includes Adi Putra, Hisyam Hamid, Alicia Amin, Shiqin Kamal, and Esma Daniel.

‘Konspirasi’ cast members promoting the film

Sarimah stressed that she remains open to working with the same producer in future but felt compelled to speak up after extensive promotional efforts for the film.

“We promoted this film tirelessly, but when people want to buy tickets, it is no longer available. I have to speak up because I do not want people to think we misled fans,” she said.

Previously, Elepfilm Entertainment said screenings in Singapore and other countries remain unaffected. - Mkini