The voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) artists in the local entertainment industry are beginning to gain attention as several talents have stepped forward to express hope that more space and opportunities will be given to the community in acting, production and the country’s creative media industry.
PWD artists believe there is still a lack of opportunities for disabled talents to be actively featured in local film productions, dramas and television programmes, despite many of them having experience and being actively involved in the creative arts field.
One issue that has also drawn attention is the existence of the film “Garang” in the past, which carried elements and characters related to the struggles of persons with disabilities in local productions.
However, according to several artists, many well-known disabled performers in the industry were never given opportunities or called to participate in similar productions despite having experience in the arts.
This has raised questions among industry players regarding how much real space is actually being given to PWD talents in Malaysia’s creative industry.
This is not about sympathy or blaming any party. This is about opportunity, inclusivity and balance in the arts industry.
They believe the matter requires more comprehensive attention at the national creative industry level, including policies, talent development and the opening of wider opportunities by relevant parties such as National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) as the main governing body of the country’s film industry.
Support for efforts to fight for more inclusive opportunities has also been voiced by several arts practitioners including Munirah Kadir, Salman Al Farisi, Henzi Andalas, Au’Fyq and Muhangku.
They believe the country’s creative industry needs more diversity in faces, life experiences and authentic community stories to make local productions more relatable to audiences.
See us as artists who have passion, discipline and love for the creative world just like any other artist on set.
The group also hopes that more initiatives, open auditions and special development programmes will be created to provide wider opportunities for PWD artists to grow professionally within the industry.
They believe true talent should not be measured solely by physical condition, but by a person’s ability to create impact, inspire and touch society through artistic works.
With broader changes and stronger support, they are confident Malaysia can produce more talented PWD artists and creative professionals capable of bringing honour to the country’s arts industry at both national and international levels.