SANDAKAN: The district’s creative groups often struggle with limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles and restricted market access, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail during the launch of the pro-tem Sandakan Documentary and Film Association on Tuesday.
He urged film and documentary practitioners to explore new partnerships with government agencies so their associations can continue moving forward with their founding missions.
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Saifuddin said film classification by Finas under his ministry is not meant to curb creativity but to ensure screenings align with everyday social norms.
He added that improvements to the e-Roses registration system will be reviewed to help associations operate smoothly while reminding registered groups to honour their constitutions and responsibilities.
Saifuddin expressed hope that the new Sandakan Documentary and Film Association will elevate local heritage through creative work, noting Sabah’s rich dialects and storytelling traditions and its potential to produce quality documentaries and films.