Gantung screening cut short: Filmmaker cites missed opportunities, cinema says guidelines were followed

LOCAL film Gantung: The Musketeer Code, directed by Nadia Mohammad Hatta, better known as Neddo Khan, was reportedly screened for seven days at GSC Cinemas, prompting discussion from both the filmmaker and moviegoers regarding its limited run.

The issue gained traction after Nadia voiced her concern on social media, following a reply from GSC confirming that the screening ended on June 11. “Hi, today is the last day of screening, yea,” the official account wrote.

The response drew feedback from fans who had not managed to catch the film during its brief run.

The film had been registered under the Mandatory Screening Scheme (Wajib Tayang) by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), which allows local films an initial screening period of 14 consecutive days.

However, under the scheme’s guidelines, cinemas may shorten the screening period if certain attendance thresholds are not met.

The Mandatory Screening Scheme includes the 30 and 15 per cent rules, where lower turnout in the first 30 per cent of screenings may lead to films being moved to smaller halls, and if below 15 per cent, screenings can be reduced to three days.

Nadia said there was still audience interest for the film, and noted that TGV Cinemas extended its run by an additional week, until June 18.

Neddo Khan with Ikmal Amry, who plays Ray — one of the four elite high school boys at the centre of the story.

She took to Instagram to thank supporters, noting that TGV Wangsa Walk continued to film the screening due to steady audience interest.

In response, GSC clarified through a statement shared with Sinar Daily that although local films are given a 14-day period under the Mandatory Screening Scheme, exhibitors have discretion to withdraw films if consecutive occupancy rates fall below 15 per cent in the first three days.

“Upon release of five shows per day for the first three days of screening across 18 GSC locations, there were low single digit occupancy rates.

“GSC continued to screen for an additional four days until June 11 and after seven consecutive days of low occupancy rates remaining in the single digits, GSC had to remove showtimes to open up halls to accommodate new films with greater audience interest at our cinemas,” the statement said.

GSC added that screening decisions are guided by audience engagement and performance metrics to ensure a balanced and sustainable cinema ecosystem.

“As a homegrown brand, GSC actively screens Malaysian films and continues to support local filmmakers and the industry through regular programming across our cinemas, with adherence to the ‘Wajib Tayang’ (Mandatory Screening) scheme by Finas.GSC wishes to reiterate its continued adherence to the Wajib Tayang scheme," read the statement. 

Meanwhile, Nadia said: "Our intention is not to point fingers but to find out why this is happening.

"We also do not want other independent films to suffer like we did, as we were not given the chance to properly live out our two weeks in the cinemas,” said Nadia.

"The feedback we often get is that people mainly did not have the chance to go and see it before it was abruptly pulled out of cinemas,” said Nadia.

Nadia also shared that financing for Gantung was made possible through crowdfunding, loans, and personal funds from the filmmakers, making large-scale advertising challenging.

"Marketing requires money, and for truly independent films like Gantung, where the financial source was partially crowdfunding, partially loans and largely from our own pockets, we cannot afford massive billboards, constant advertisements, and talent appearances at multiple events," she said.

She said the two-week period was important for the film’s potential success.

The film’s first week of release also coincided with the Aidiladha festive period, which may have contributed to lower turnout during that time.

She also noted that the film started with 56 cinemas and limited showtimes, alongside the timing of the Aidiladha weekend.

"That, coupled with the Raya Haji weekend, made ticket sales even slower."

"Still, we powered through and all we asked for was the full two weeks."

"Sadly, even after one weekend, some cinemas already started pulling out our film, and by the time it was one week, it ended unceremoniously," she added.

Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude to supporters. "So many of them wrote love letters for the film. Their love and support have always carried us through and they'll continue to do so.

"We're also grateful to cinemas like Paragon, LFS and 10 Star who remain steadfast in supporting local films.

"Right now we're still trying to reach audiences by any means available. At the end of the day, we only want people to have the opportunity to watch it. Perhaps through this experience, we're also learning about the alternative routes for independent cinema. We'll be sure to share this knowledge once we gain it!”," she said.

Adapted from Nadia Khan’s 2013 bestselling novel published by Fixi, Gantung: The Musketeer Code is a continuation of the Gantung series.

The first novel was previously adapted into a TV series from 2016 to 2018 before being made into this feature film.

Screenings for the film continue at selected locations, with audiences encouraged to check listings for availability.