ERRANT DUO WARNED

16 January 2007 : The Malay Mail

By Nur Aqidah Azizi

TWO local film producers have come under fire from Malaysia Film Producers' Association (PFM) for withdrawing their films from their scheduled screening slots at the eleventh hour. PFM acting president Ruhani Abdul Rahman said it was unfair for the producers to do so after they were given the slots, which were also requested by others.

"Due to this, we did not have local films at cinemas last month and this month," she said. Ruhani said that it had also caused difficulties to cinema operators as they were forced to find replacements, which would result in the slots being given to foreign films.

Ruhani was commenting on the decision by KSG Pictures and JAS Production to pull out Cinta Terakhir and Haru Biru, respectively, at the last minute, citing insufficient time to publicise their films. Cinta Terakhir was scheduled to hit the big screen on Dec 28 and Haru Biru on Jan 11. Ruhani said PFM have issued warning letters to the two producers and are reviewing the rules to ensure that similar incidents will not recur.

"We view this seriously and in future, we will not compromise as film producers are given three months to promote their films after getting their slots," she said. She added that the two producers will have to go through the process all over again for this year's screening slots. "Also, they will not be given the privilege to choose their slots as priority will be given to others in the waiting list," said Ruhani. She said producers must be professional and responsible and should be prepared to face any setback.