There are rules to follow, values to uphold in local films - Afdlin Shauki

SHAH ALAM - Malaysian actor, producer and director Datuk Afdlin Shauki said there are rules to follow and certain values to uphold in producing a film.

He acknowledged the fact that filmmakers desired freedom and independence in expressing themselves in storytelling, but they also must be responsible.

“I understand that filmmakers like myself want to convey a story that is interesting, but at the same time, we also have some rules.

“We have our own values, we have our very own Eastern features and we want our films to have our oriental identity.

“Perhaps, if we can't do one thing, we do something else. That's how I see how our films should develop,” he suggested.

He said he was of the view that there were double standards between the local and international films.

However, he said it was inevitable.

“For example, a kissing scene, they (international films) can have it, but we (local films) can’t, because we know that it is not our culture anyway.

"However, the application is more rigid on local films and filmmakers also understand not to cross the line nor come up with such an overly ridiculous scene in our films.

“It's just that, if you want to play internationally, you have to be able to do what they can do," he told Sinar Daily.

On the upcoming local horror flick “Pulau” trailer which was released online and sparked public outrage following its controversial scenes, Afdlin said the film carried a vision to penetrate the international arena.

Hence, he said there may be some rather provoking scenes among the non-Malay and non-Muslim cast.

However, he said he was fond of Malaysian films with a multiracial identity.

“For local consumption, we must follow the guidelines given.

"For international pursuit or whatever your goal is, keep it out of Malaysia. The catch is marketing takes place online, so Malaysians and anyone can have access to it, there's no limit," he said.