Why are Gafim and PFM reconsidering FFM involvement?

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Gafim and PFM Rethink FFM Involvement Amidst Controversy and Allegations

Both the Coalition of Malaysian Filmmakers’ Association (Gafim) and the Film Producers’ Association (PFM) are reconsidering their involvement in future Malaysia Film Festival Awards (FFM) events due to recent criticisms and allegations. Gafim president Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli stated that his association no longer represents the majority of filmmakers and wishes to concentrate on member welfare, limiting their role to providing input rather than active organisation. Similarly, PFM, the primary organising partner for the 28th FFM, faces accusations of conflict of interest, prompting its own president, Datuk Yusof Haslam, to suggest they might withdraw from future collaborations.
Gafim Shifts Focus to Member Welfare

Datuk Jurey Latiff Rosli has declared that Gafim will not participate in organising future FFMs, even if invited. He explained that the association's current mandate is to focus on the welfare of its remaining members and that they no longer represent the broader filmmaking community. While Gafim intends to offer input, the responsibility for organising future festivals will be left to the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to appoint an independent and professional organiser. Jurey's own term as president concludes next year, and he expressed a personal rejection of future organisational involvement, stating he will focus on promoting the film Malay Regiment.
PFM Faces Conflict of Interest Accusations

The Film Producers’ Association (PFM) is also contemplating withdrawing from future FFM editions following accusations of conflict of interest. PFM president Datuk Yusof Haslam was specifically named in allegations concerning jury selection for the 28th FFM. Yusof has denied these claims, expressing surprise and exhaustion from the persistent criticism. He even offered to resign from PFM if the allegations continue, stating that he has not personally profited from PFM's involvement and finds the constant criticism taxing.
Controversy Sparked by Film Categorisation

The current FFM controversies originated after two critically acclaimed films, Jagat and Ola Bola, were excluded from the main Best Picture category at the 28th FFM. Both films were relegated to the non-Bahasa Malaysia division, despite their critical reception. This segregation was previously defended by both Yusof and Jurey, who cited a national policy requiring films to have at least 70 percent Bahasa Malaysia content to qualify for the main category.
Government Mandates Single Best Picture Category

In response to the widespread controversy, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak announced that future editions of the FFM will feature a single Best Picture category. This directive aims to eliminate the segregation of categories based on language content, a move that aligns with Jurey's later sentiment that films should not be evaluated solely by their spoken language but should reflect the reality of Malaysian society.

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Why are Gafim and PFM reconsidering FFM involvement?

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