Kelantan community cinemas will bring out the best in people - Art practitioners

The establishment of community cinemas in Kelantan will promote film culture with like-minded group on the big screen opens up new nuances of the film in the state.

The community cinemas will also serve another purpose: an audio-visual library with the ability to enhance the knowledge of the local community.

The idea was conceived by Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) in collaboration with the government.

Although there are state regulations that must be followed, several art practitioners said it should be seen as a positive step for the people of the state.

For actor Syed Kamaruzaman Syed Mahmud, or better known as Syed Aiman, opening a cinema outlet will develop the skills of creative industry players in Kelantan.

“It is a platform to express their own ideas and creativity. They can develop their skills and abilities in their own state without having to go to Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

He explained that the cinema can ensure that the community can watch movies based on their requirements.

It can be realised within an infrastructure that complies with the regulations administered by the Kelantan state government.

For artist manager, Nik Mohd Radhi Nik Abdullah, several reforms will be seen as awkward in the initial phase.

"There should be a cinema for Muslim women and men ... they should not be mixed especially when it is dark. It can only be done if the cinemas are separated,” he said.

Nik Mohd Radhi, who was featured in Jejak Warrior, a film zooming in on Kelantanese football team, admitted the film had little support as it was shown outside the state.

Actor and director, Pekin Ibrahim is singing a different tune.

He said tthe establishment of the cinema is positive move and should be closely implemented by adhering to Islam's teachings.

He said, having closed closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) may be helpful.

In addition to that, creative talents in Kelantan should not be marginalised.

"If the community cinema is established, no issues should raised as the public want to enjoy the art and not for any wrongdoings. Do not give any negative viewpoints and be narrow-minded about this issue,” he explained.

He also said that the Kelantan culture which has become a popular tourist attraction will be immortalised through the art work that will be shown in this cinema.

He also said that the seniors citizens in Kelantan will be elated with such establishment, as they no longer need to go outside the state to watch movies.

Producer and director, Datuk T.S.Jeffry explained that the reestablishment of the cinemas will bring back memories as it has been 30 years since the absence of entertainment in the state.

“There used to be a cinema in Kelantan but not anymore. It’s more than just entertainment as it provides information and knowledge. It brings a message, unlike western movies,” he said.

The idea is also supported by the Persatuan Anak-Anak Kelantan Darul Naim Deputy Chairman of Information and Complaints Bureau Wan Syahrul Amry Wan Mansor who explained that it has the support of the public after conducting a survey on social media.

“It is time as the idea is there, but Kelantan has no cinemas until today.

“The perception that such place is not good should be clarified. We already have a variety of technology and should be seen as a place for family outings. It will be regulated by those who are qualified and expert in filming content,” he said.

Wan Syahrul Amry stressed that a syariah-compliant, family-friendly cinemas will have an added value to the family institution in the state.