Cinema of Malaysia
 Life in Malaysia |
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The cinema of Malaysia revolves around a small film industry that dates back to the 1930s. At present, Malaysia produces about 20 feature films annually, and between 300–400 television dramas and serials a year apart from the in-house productions by the individual television stations. Malaysia also holds its own annual National Film Festival. There are about 250 movie theatres and cineplexes in Malaysia, showing not only local films but also foreign films. Foreign film producers are welcome to shoot on location in Malaysia, undertake film co-production ventures so that local artistes and technicians have the opportunity of gaining exposure and experience.
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Early films, 1933–48
Malaysian cinema began in 1933 with Leila Majnun, based on a classical Persian story of two ill-fated lovers. Directed by B.S. Rajhans and produced by the Singapore-based Motilal Chemical Company of Bombay, the cast was derived from a local opera group. Observing the success of this project, two brothers, Run Run and Run Me Shaw, were prompted in 1937 to import some equipment from Shanghai and start the production of Malay films from their small studio at Ampas Road in Singapore. However, they only managed to produce five or six movies prior to the Japanese invasion in 1941.
Following the end of World War II in 1945, the Shaw Brothers resumed production in 1947 with a Rajhans-directed film called Singapura Di Waktu Malam (Singapore by Night) starring Siput Sarawak. Backed by their chain of theatres, which they either owned or rented, the film enjoyed a good response. The Shaw Brothers proceeded to produce more films and introduced new faces, including the Sumatran-born Kasma Booty. Her first film, Cempaka, revolved around the life of a native island girl.
In 1948, P. Ramlee - who later became the living legend of the Malay film world, made his debut in the film Cinta (Love). P. Ramlee’s talents in music composing and singing brought him prominence. He was very versatile as a leading actor, a comic, dramatic artiste, scripwriter and film director. Most of the early films carried plenty of singing and dancing scenes, a trend introduced by the Indian film directors. After Rajhans, Shaw Brothers imported many other Indian film directors, among them S. Ramanathan, K.R. Seetharama Sastry, Phani Majumdar and D. Ghoss. There were also some local film directors such as L. Krishnan and K. M. Bashker who learned the trade and techniques through experience and apprenticeship. By the 1960s, many of the expatriates were replaced by local directors.
Development and decline, 1948–75
The success enjoyed by the Shaw Brother’s film studio, known as the Malay Film Productions (MPP), encouraged a few other entrepreneurs to venture into the same business. There was a Nusantara film company started. In 1951, Hsu Chiu Meng started the Nusantara film company. However, he depended heavily on independent theatres, and after producing about a dozen films Nusantara closed down in 1954.
In 1952, Ho Ah Loke opened a studio in Tampines Road, Singapore, calling his company Rimau Film Productions. After producing one film, he changed its name to Keris Film Productions. Ho owned a few small theatres through his earlier venture as a film distributor. He managed to produce a number of films, and in 1956 merged with Cathay Organisation, owned by millionaire Loke Wan Tho. The company was renamed Cathy-Keris Film Productions with its studio in East Coast Road, Singapore. Supported by their own theatre chain throughout Malaya and Singapore, Cathay-Keris films posed a challenge to the films produced by Shaw’s MFP studios. Shaw studios produced about ten films a year, while Cathay-Keris too produced about the same number.
During those early years, all the films were in black and white. The studios had their own laboratories, recording and editing facilities. Direct sound recording was the practice from the beginning, until the advent of the 60s. Then, post-synching or dubbing system appeared and is still in use until today.
The screenplays were mostly based on folk tales, stage plays, legends of fictional or real historical heroes or events. MFP made the movie about the legendary Melaka warrior Hang Tuah who lived during the heyday of the Melaka Sultanate. In response, Cathay-Keris produced Hang Jebat who was Hang Tuah’s closest friend but due to unfortunate circumstances became involved in a life-or-death struggle with him.
Hang Tuah, done in Eastman Color, was directed by Indian director Phani Majumdar, who was specially brought in to ensure that the film made it to the East Asia Film Festival. P. Ramlee acted as Hang Tuah and also composed the background music, for which the film won an award.
Just before they ceased operations, both MFP and Cathay-Keris produced three colour films each. Shaw Brothers’ produced Ribut (Storm), Hang Tuah and Raja Bersiong (The Fanged King). The latter, a legend from the state of Kedah, was written by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Cathay-Keris produced Buluh Perindu (The Magic Flute), Cinta Gadis Rimba (The Virgin Of Borneo) and Mahsuri (The Maid of Langkawi), another Kedah legend written by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
Although many companies emerged, such as Nusantara Films, Tan & Wong Film Company, Rimau Productions and Cathay-Keris, many closed down due to escalating production costs and diminishing audiences, leaving only MFP and Cathay-Keris both operating in Singapore.
In 1961, H.M. Shah bought over a piece of prime land on the fringe of Kuala Lumpur and turned it into Merdeka Studio. It had a meager beginning, but once the top stars started their exodus from the two Singapore studios, its growth surged dramatically. Located adjacent to the National Zoo on Hulu Kelang Road, is 13 kilometres from the city. Today, it is the headquarters of the National Film Development Corporation, Malaysia (FINAS). The Shaw Brothers dispatched some of their Singapore film directors, among them L. Krishnan, P. Ramlee and Salleh Ghani, Jamil Sulong, Omer Rojik, S. Kadarisman, Sudarmaji, Naz Achnas, M. Amin and Datuk Jins Shamsudin, to make films at Merdeka.
Renaissance, 1975–present
In 1975, a renaissance prompted a revitalised growth when Sabah Films grossed huge profits with its maiden offering, Keluarga Comat (Comat’s Family). Soon, other companies mushroomed, such as Perfima, Syed Kechik Productions, Indra film Productions, Jins Shamsudin Production and others.
The 80s saw numerous changes. A vital one was the setting up of the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia in 1981 to develop and stimulate the growth and maintain the standards of the film industry by various means, including the provision of research and advisory services. FINAS has since set up numerous facilities to promote the industry, including a credit facility scheme which enables young and untiring film-makers to test their potential. The revival in the industry also made changes to certain formats of the local film productions. Nearly all the films were made in colour, some using the scope format and some the standard format. There were no fixed salaries for artists attached to a certain company or studio. A company can only do two of three functions: production, distribution or exhibition in order to avoid a monopoly by a certain party. The producers also might be able to recover part of their investment by the return of the entertainment tax as a way of incentive. A further incentive to local film-makers is that they are invited to make television programmes either in film format or video format. As a result, there are now more than 300 film companies registered with FINAS.
In 1989 and 1990, over 20 feature films were produced, that was later decreased significantly, however, 15 feature films were made in 1995, with only one film that was not shown in cinemas, compared to only five feature films made in 1985. In the mid 2000s, Malaysian film industry saw an increase in number of domestic film production, from only seven films in 1999, to 26 films in 2009. The increase of domestic film production is because of new opening of cinemas and limitation to screening of foreign films in local cinemas. Currently, Malaysian film industry faces competition from surrounding regional cinemas such as Indonesian Cinema, Siamese Cinema, Philippines' Cinema and Indian Cinema as it has failed to come up with quality content films.
Category 18+ films
At the beginning of Malaysian film industry, while watching movies, there are no age restrictions, and films are done under strict guidelines. For instance, no sex scenes and crimes are permitted. Malaysian film classification was introduced in 1996 to provide parents of minors a chance to prevent their children from being exposed to inappropriate materials. There are four 18+ categories used in Malaysia, unlike other countries, which only used one classification for each age, there are 18PA, 18PL, 18SG and 18SX, however, 18PA is rarely used. Movies prior to 1996 also carry ratings, and some of the local movies prior to 1996 later carry 18+ ratings, for example, Mekanik (1983) (later rated 18SX) and Pelumba Malam (1989) (later rated 18PL). Two of the earlier local movies with 18+ ratings since its introduction, Litar Kaish (1996) and Panas (1998), were both classified 18SX. However, these movies still enjoyed surprising box office successes in Malaysia.
Films
- Ahmad Albab
- Ali Baba Bujang Lapok
- Antara Dua Darjat
- Bidasari
- Cicak-Man
- Ibu Mertuaku
- Labu Dan Labi
- Leftenan Adnan
- Love Conquers All
- Madu Tiga
- Masam Masam Manis
- Musang Berjanggut
- Nasib Si Labu Labi
- Paloh
- Pendekar Bujang Lapok
- Punggok Rindukan Bulan
- Puteri Gunong Ledang
- Puteri Gunung Ledang
- Seniman Bujang Lapok
- Sepet
- Sumolah
- Tiga Abdul
Category:Malaysian film directors
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The following 21 pages are in this category, out of 21 total. This list may not reflect recent changes (learn more).
A C F K L M | M cont. N R S | T U W Y |
List of cinemas in Malaysia
Contents |
Cinemas
2 | 1 | 147 | The one and only cinema 2020 meter above sea in Malaysia. The 3D digital hall is being advertised through a banner along the road connecting Karak Highway to Genting Highlands. | |||
5 | 0 | 606 | Opened on 4 July 2009 on 1st floor at U Mall. | |||
10 | 0 | 1545 | ||||
7 | 1 | 1078 | ||||
9 | 2 | 0 | Opened on 15 April 2011 | |||
8 | 2 | 1353 | Officially launch on 16 December 2010 | |||
4 | 0 | 851 | ||||
5 | 0 | 803 | ||||
11 | 1 | 1362 | ||||
5 | 0 | 620 | ||||
6 | 0 | 1118 | Opened on 20 December 2007 at 3rd floor Capsquare Centre. | |||
5 | 1 | 780 | First cinema at Terengganu | |||
6 | 1 | 1342 | ||||
9 | 1 | 1935 | 9 Halls Cinema. Open at Year 2011. | |||
8 | 1 | 1333 | ||||
4 | 0 | 926 | ||||
4 | 0 | 1100 | Opened on 11 February 2010 | |||
4 | 1 | 650 | Take over from independent cinema operator that brings LFS Cinema 4-Screen Movie Theater | |||
5 | 1 | 700 | Opened on 16 December 2010 | |||
6 | 1 | 1048 | Opened on 23 January 2009 at 2nd floor Kluang Mall. | |||
3 | 0 | 450 | ||||
5 | 0 | 867 | ||||
4 | 0 | 812 | ||||
12 | 1 | 1810 | Opened on 2 July 2008 on level 6 at Brem Mall Kepong. | |||
4 | 1 | 617 | Opened on 15 November 2008 on 1st floor at Alor Star Mall. | |||
6 | 1 | 1108 | The First Cinema in Kulim. Opened on 27 November 2009 at Landmark Central Shopping Centre | |||
10 | 1 | 1960 | Second TGV Cinema in Klang. Opened on 6 February 2008. | |||
2 | 0 | 868 | ||||
5 | 1 | 1092 | ||||
8 | 1 | 1377 | Opened at 8 January 2011. Beaniplex Hall that comes with seat like bean sofa. | |||
5 | 1 | 1067 | First 3D hall in Negeri Sembilan | |||
4 | 0 | 875 | Opened at 28 April 2011 after refurbishment | |||
10 | 2 | 2114 | One of the largest Tanjong Golden Village cinemas in Malaysia, with Megascreen (20-metre in width). | |||
6 | 1 | 944 | First 3D hall in Johor | |||
Batu Pahat Mall | 7 | 1 | 1200 | |||
5 | 0 | 970 | ||||
9 | 2 | 1618 | Opened at 12 Nov 2009 | |||
10 | 3 | 2125 | GSC MAXX opened at 25 Nov 2010. Biggest Digital hall in Malaysia with 23m width screen and 555 seats. | |||
8 | 0 | 1710 | The second TGV cinema in Malaysia and first TGV in Klang that cater resident from Shah Alam and Klang. | |||
3 | 0 | 644 | ||||
8 | 2 | 1500 | ||||
8 | 3 | 1465 | First 3D hall in Sabah | |||
8 | 1 | 1710 | ||||
4 | 0 | 511 | ||||
3 | 0 | 666 | ||||
4 | 1 | 546 | Cinema that caters resident from Perlis and Northern Kedah. | |||
4 | 1 | 680 | ||||
10 | 1 | 1922 | ||||
10 | 0 | 2230 | ||||
1 | 0 | 888 | Chua Seong Siew | The Coliseum Theatre is Malaysia's oldest movie theater. It was built in 1921 by Chua Cheng Bok. In 2006, the Malaysian government proposed to close the theater and turn it into a cultural center, but relented when there was a public outcry to the scheme. | ||
12 | 3 | 1724 | The largest Golden Screen Cinema in the northern Peninsular. Houses Malaysia's first premiere class cinema theatre. | |||
10 | 2 | 2079 | Before extension was 5 halls with 1317 seats. | |||
3 | 0 | 803 | The first GSC to be opened in Perak. | |||
6 | 1 | 1233 | ||||
6 | 0 | 1178 | ||||
4 | 0 | 1610 | The first multiplex in Malaysia and the first movie theatre with a computerised ticket system in Malaysia. | |||
6 | 1 | 1518 | ||||
18 | 4 | 2599 | Malaysia's largest cineplex. | |||
11 | 0 | 1780 | 50,000sq ft of space. Open at Year 2012. | |||
10 | 2 | 1785 | Schedule to open on 19th May 2011 and will be the first GSC cinema in AEON SHOPPING CENTRE | |||
5 | 1 | 1063 | ||||
One Utama (New Wing) | 13 | 3 | 2168 | |||
5 | 0 | 2361 | ||||
8 | 0 | 1566 | ||||
3 | 3 | 480 | Seats capacity for Hall X,Y,Z are 168,169,143 | |||
8 | 3 | 1512 | The 2nd GSC Cinema in Penang Island after Gurney Plaza. | |||
3 | 0 | 750 | ||||
7 | 0 | 1262 | The first multiplex to provide drive-through ticketing service. | |||
8 | 1 | 1217 | ||||
8 | 3 | 1426 | The 2nd Cinema in Seberang Prai; 3rd GSC in Penang; Twin Seat available. | |||
12 | 2 | 2598 | Largest TGV cinema in Malaysia. | |||
12 | 2 | 2459 | The second largest Tanjong Golden Village cinema in Malaysia. | |||
7 | 1 | 1206 | The largest cinema in Perak with 7 screens | |||
4 | 0 | 1086 | The first GSC in Negeri Sembilan. Hall 2 was refurbish to make a new start for GSC Terminal 1 in order to compete with 6-screens MBO Terminal 2 and 5-Screens TGV Seremban 2 | |||
6 | 0 | 789 | ||||
8 | 1 | 1584 | The first MBO concept cinema with 3D system in East Malaysia and the largest MBO cinema in Malaysia in terms of seating capacity, the largest hall accommodating 426 patrons, opened on 9 September 2009. | |||
4 | 1 | 780 | The first Lotus Five Star Cinemas in East Malaysia, officially opened on 5 September 2009. | |||
10 | TBC | 1800++ | The first Golden Screen Cinemas in Sarawak, scheduled to be open by 2012. It will occupy 34,470 sq ft. | |||
TBC | TBC | TBC | The first Tanjong Golden Village in East Malaysia, scheduled to be open sometime 2012. | |||
8 | TBC | 800 | The second Lotus Five Star Cinemas in Kuching (also in East Malaysia), scheduled to be open by 2013. | |||
7 | 0 | 1212 | The concept cinema in Malacca. | |||
10 | 3 | 2002 | The largest cinema in Malacca with 417 seats in Hall 1. | |||
4 | 1 | 645 | Opened on 14 November 2009. Hall 1 (140 seats), Hall 2 (288), Hall 3 (140), Hall 4 (77) | |||
13 | 3 | 1899 | ||||
7 | 2 | 558 | The Signature GSC. First boutique cinema in Malaysia | |||
8 | 2 | 1449 | ||||
8 | 2 | 1394 | ||||
9 | 1 | 1628 | Officially opened on 29 April 2010. | |||
3 | 0 | 845 | Operate since 1974. Hall 1 513 seats, Hall 2 171 seats, Hall 3 171 seats |
[edit] List of defunct cinemas
Cinema  | Screens | Seats | Location | Operator | Remarks |
4 | - | Ceased operation by Q1 of 2002 | |||
3 | 678 | Ceased operation by August 2009 | |||
4 | 830 | Ceased operation by mid August 2009 | |||
3 | 1648 | Ceased operation | |||
4 | 1006 | Ceased operation by 16 December 2010 | |||
7 | 1586 | Ceased operation in December 2010, will reopen in a new location in another part of 1 Utama   |
- Cathay the Pavilion (formally Associated Theatres Ltd)
- Cathay The Mall Kuala Lumpur
- Cathay Sungei Wang Kuala Lumpur
- Golden Communication Circuit Bangsar Shopping Centre KL
- REX Cinema Kuala Lumpur
- REX Cinema Ipoh
- Ruby Cinema Ipoh
- Grand Theatre Ipoh
- Lido Cinema Ipoh
- Cathay Ipoh
- Majestic Ipoh
- Roxy Cinema Kuching
- Miramar Kuching
- Lido Taiping
- Capitol Taiping
- Rex Taiping
- Cathay Taiping
- Mandarin Taiping
- Ruby Cinema Petaling Jaya
- Paramount Cinema Petaling Jaya
- Sentosa Cinema Petaling Jaya
- Majestic Theater Petaling Jaya
- Cathay Klang
- Cathay Organization Klang (Cineplex operated at Klang Parade, currently in place of News KTV)
- Kapitol Klang
- Star Cineplex Klang
- Regal Cinema Klang
- Cathay Cineplex, Bukit Jambul Complex, Penang
- Cathay Cineplex, Island Plaza, Penang
- MBO UE3 Shopping Complex Cheras, KL
- Kapitol Kangar
- Sri Mahkota Kangar
- Empire Kangar
- Cathay Kuala Perlis
- Rex Port Klang
- Cathay Port Klang
- MBO AmCorp Mall,PJ
.............Thank You.....................
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