The petition, which came online on ipetitions.com on Sunday, is aiming to collect at least 1,000 signatures, and is said to be led by “producers, directors, actors and members of the Malaysian film industry”.
It praises Kamil’s governance, saying that “the dedication and accolades of Dato Kamil Othman cannot be understated anywhere in Malaysia nor on a global front”.
“We implore Finas as an internationally respected entity that is globally on par with the Korean Film Council, Screen Australia, Film France and the British Film Commission.
“We believe that Dato Kamil Othman is the only person for the position who can competently and clearly realise our industry’s full potential, and the dreams for Malaysian cinema,” the petition reads.
Kamil’s term as Finas DG comes to an end this month, two years after his appointment in November 2014.
According to the petition, Kamil’s good track record includes the establishment of the Content Malaysia Pitching Centre (CMPC), which has “simplified Finas’ funding application processes unifying sectors of the Malaysian film industry, which were previously divided”.
It also lauds Kamil for having “proven himself as a competent innovator” since his prior appointment as the vice-president of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
“He had brought Malaysia’s animation industry to the international stage. This also includes the establishment of the Sabah Animation Creative Content Centre (SAC3), which within a short period had successfully prepared students in East Malaysia to work in international animation productions,” the petition reads.
A previous article in October by local arts news website The Daily Seni noted Kamil’s support for a diverse range of Malaysian projects, “amplifying the voices of minorities and those sidelined as a result of the National Cultural Policy (NCP)”.
“East Malaysian projects which Finas had aided during his term include Festival Filem Malaysia-winner Nota and landmark storytelling project Big Stories Bongkud-Namaus,” The Daily Seni’s Deric Ect wrote.
“Noting the necessity of developing an industry in the other 60.3 per cent of Malaysia, Kamil has also expressed support for Sabah-based film screening initiative Cinebah.”
The list of Kamil’s achievements highlighted in the petition are as follows:
- The establishment of the Content Malaysia Pitching Centre (CMPC), which has simplified Finas funding application processes unifying sectors of the Malaysian film industry, which were previously divided.
- The process of funding applications emphasising “development” before production as a necessary step towards elevating the quality of Malaysian film narratives.
- Producing a “Technology Unit” for industry players to keep abreast with the rapid worldwide development of industry-related technologies and to train the next generation of filmmakers. The success of this unit has benefited countless Malaysian filmmakers through the CILL program, Next New Wave and Astro Shortcuts.
- The “Tanya KP” (Ask DG) event which takes place once a month. This event has allowed for Finas and filmmakers to better understand each other’s roles and to bring the two parties closer together.
- Providing a space for World Cinema through the Cinematheque@Finas, which has played host to Kelab Seni Filem Malaysia, which is Malaysia’s oldest and most established film club in the country.
- The rearrangement of Finas’ structure to place emphasis on the role of the film industry as a significant contributor to the Malaysian economy and not solely as a source of entertainment for the public.
- Formulating a sustainable financial plan for Finas for the years 2014/2015 and 2016/2017, well in advance. Decisions and planning of this nature cannot be left to the final hour.
- Invigorating the creative industry in Sabah and Sarawak through the Jelajah Pitching Micro Fund and “Development Fund Pitching” whilst announcing the establishment of the Kinabalu Creative Centre to ease the burden of Sabah and Sarawak filmmakers who have long had to travel to West Malaysia for official film-related processes.
- Improved and elevated the status of Skim Wajib Tayang.
- The establishment of the Museum of Moving Image and Mediatheque.
- Introducing local filmmakers to international production funders and corporations.
- Emphasising on the strategic exposure of local films through international film festivals at a scale not yet seen before in Malaysian film history.
- Nearing the structure of Malaysian filming to CNC France and the European Union.
- His proactive membership within the Asian Content Business Summit and also his recent re-appointment as the Vice-President of the Asian Film Commission Network, Korea this October 2016.
- Enacting co-production treaties that will smoothen the processes of co-productions between local and international producers.
- Providing for more enticing incentives behind shooting in Malaysia for International Film and TV Producers.
The petition can be found here: Industri Perlu Kamil!