THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHINESE- LANGUAGE FILMS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

This study uses textual analysis of the relevant Chinese and English literature to examine Chinese-language films in Malaysia. Malaysian Chinese-language films have developed over the last 100 years thanks to imports, Chinese investment, the Malayanised Chinese-language film movement, the Malaysian Independent Filmmaking Movement, commercial films, the Chinese film association and film festivals. Moreover, Chinese Malaysians’ cultural identity became a national identity. Chinese-language films also turned from being independent projects to commercial ventures. Although the government has recognised Chinese-language films, the industry still lacks governmental support. Furthermore, filmmakers focus on the multicultural background of Malaysia, hoping that films can resonate among the country’s three ethnic groups. The Malaysian Chinese-language film industry needs to face the challenges of brain drain and limited audiences. From the perspective of communication strategy, filmmakers should cooperate with film companies from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan for co-production, in addition to pushing Malaysian Chinese-language films into the international market.