Malaysian filmmakers and industry experts are calling on the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to collaborate with creative professionals in drafting clear production guidelines to support existing frameworks from the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) when tackling sensitive religious topics.
Speaking at the Between Art and Sin forum during the 35th Malaysia Film Festival's Creative Industry Symposium, scriptwriter and arts activist Zabidi Mohamed says creative input is essential because evaluating cinema involves visual storytelling and emotional nuance.
"Jakim's guidelines need to be supported by a framework created by industry practitioners themselves because, in cinema, we tell stories through images and speak through emotion."
He says films can depict wrongdoings and their consequences without being gratuitous.
"There is nothing wrong with depicting sin, but it is all about how we frame that sin," he adds, suggesting that portraying negative figures should be balanced with positive religious representation to prevent prejudice.
Associate Professor Dr Khalif Muammar A. Harris from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia echoes this sentiment, cautioning filmmakers against crossing religious boundaries or pushing societal limits merely for controversy.
"As creative practitioners, we must understand that we live in a country with a distinct identity and history.
"We want a society that is harmonious, peaceful and anchored in its identity, history, culture and values."
Director and actor Datuk Afdlin Shauki, who is also Film Directors' Association of Malaysia president, argues that dark themes and human conflict remain essential storytelling tools.
He says directors must perform thorough research to reflect reality while respecting Malaysia's multicultural society, adding that elements like comedy can help engage viewers before introducing heavier themes.
Actress and director Ellie Suriaty Omar believes sensitive scenes should only be included if they serve the narrative.
Reflecting on her experience playing a deviant cultist in 'Ibu Aji', she says: "We do not take pleasure in playing the leader or wife in a cult. We are simply reflecting society."
She says artistes must accept constructive criticism and ensure villain roles are balanced by moral characters.
Concluding the session, forum moderator and producer-director Erma Fatima proposes establishing a religious advisory platform for creative personnel during early production stages.
"Relationships with religious scholars should be built well before any controversy arises, allowing artistes to exchange views and seek guidance when tackling sensitive subjects."
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd