We need to produce more Michelle Yeoh-like talents, says minister

 

Michelle Yeoh with her Golden Globe for Best Actress, for her role in the movie “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once”. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: Communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil plans to nurture more talents in the local entertainment industry.

The goal, he said, was to then “export” these artistes and help them and the country gain global recognition.

In an interview with RTM last night, Fahmi said Malaysia missed the opportunity to tap into the talents of Michelle Yeoh – who recently won a Golden Globe for Best Actress – while she was still in the country.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect and see how we can improve so those with talent, skills and abilities like hers (Yeoh) can be featured here and exported to other countries,” he said.

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Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi added that the local entertainment industry has a lot of potential to be recognised worldwide.

“We are looking at ways to recalibrate the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) in order to ensure that directors and playwrights are empowered to produce films of good quality,” he said.

He pointed to the South Korean entertainment industry and how it was able to produce award-winning movies because they churn out many films every year.

Fahmi said his experience as an actor and scriptwriter during his younger days helped him understand the challenges faced by the people involved in the entertainment industry.

The Lembah Pantai MP added that it took years to raise funds and plan for a film.

“So, we need to recalibrate Finas to ensure filmmakers, directors and writers are given more facilities, as well as some incentives,” he said. - FMT