KUALA LUMPUR, October 18 – The inaugural Film & Society conference, hosted by Freedom Film Network (FFN) and the Content Forum on 7 to 8 September 2023, concluded on a high note, with participants from across the region echoing a resounding call for change in how we approach film regulation and content creation. Under the theme, “Content Creation, Control, and Choice in the Digital Age,” the two-day event convened an impressive lineup of panellists, including eminent figures from academia, the film industry, artists, and policymaking, hailing from Southeast Asia and beyond.
Among the distinguished participants were Syafiq Yusof, filmmaker of Skop Productions Sdn Bhd; Eneng Faridah Iskandar, Head of Consumer & Industry Affairs Division at MCMC; Alex Sihar, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the Indonesian Film Board (BPI); Dr. Thomas Barker, Honorary Associate Professor at the Australian National University; Amanda Nell Eu, filmmaker of Ghost Grrrl Pictures, and Sofia Jane, renowned Malaysian actor. Spanning seven engaging sessions, the conference provided a dynamic platform for robust discussions and insightful dialogues, prompting participants to collectively reimagine film regulation and content guidelines.
It encouraged the exploration of innovative approaches that transcend conventional methods of censorship and bans. The diverse backgrounds and wealth of expertise of participants lent a global perspective to the evolving challenges and opportunities inherent within film regulation and content creation. Anna Har, Co-Founder of FFN remarked, This marks a pivotal moment for FFN. As industry stakeholders, we have encountered many roadblocks and grappled with existing restrictive film regulations. Our research into film regulations and their impact on the industry unveiled practices that demanded reevaluation to sustain a healthy ecosystem, particularly in this digital age.
This conference serves as a compass for charting our path forward, reminding us that we cannot rely solely on external forces or bodies. We need to voice our aspirations and explore what is best for our industry. Mediha Mahmood, Executive Director of the Content Forum, echoed this commitment, stating, Events like this conference demonstrate our commitment to fostering a more equitable portrayal of the film industry and advancing towards self-regulation. In an ideal scenario, filmmakers can explore boundless creativity, and filmgoers can freely choose their content.
However, we recognize that change is a gradual process. We are playing our part by actively advocating for industry self-regulation. One common and resonant theme emerged throughout the conference: the urgent need to change existing approaches to regulation and content creation. Attendees passionately advocated for a balanced approach, emphasizing the preservation of artistic freedom for filmmakers and content creators, along with consumers’ rights to choose and access content in line with their preferences. With this freedom of choice, there is a need to build the resilience for everyone, not just minors, to participate and contribute positively in the digital realm.
Media and digital literacy were seen as the missing link in the current content regulation tools. While relying solely on government bodies or state entities as moral guardians was deemed impractical in today’s vast and easily accessible content landscape. Rather, participants highlighted the critical need to allow the freedom and choice to navigate the digital world while also equipping citizens with the tools and skills to make informed choices and avoid harm. The conference takes a proactive stance, urging the government to prioritize shifting from censorship to classification and self-regulation of the film industry.
More importantly, adopting a holistic multi-stakeholder approach to media literacy and resilience among consumers should become the centrestage of creating responsible digital citizens. For industry professionals, the call to action is clear: knowledge is power, and understanding existing regulations will help them to be agents of change in enhancing the film ecosystem. There is also critical value in learning from neighboring countries and creating networks of solidarity as demonstrated through the conference.
