Time for some drama
This year’s Drama Festival Kuala Lumpur 2018 takes another step forward by engaging a wider TV audience demographic, writes Tahir Alhamzah
DRAMA Festival Kuala Lumpur (DFKL) is back for its fifth time and the theme for this year is #MasaUntukDrama (Time For Drama). Since its inception in 2014, DFKL has achieved its target of seeking out a new pool of actors and actresses, having produced artistes such as Syazuwan Hassan, Raja Afiq dan Shasha Raman.
Response and support from industry players and TV viewers have inspired Media Prima Television Networks to continue with this project.
WIDER SEARCH FOR TALENT
This year, the initiative is expanded further with the participation of the four TV channels under MPTN — TV3, ntv7, 8TV and TV9.
MPTN chief executive officer Johan Ishak says: “This is to allow a wider participation from more Malaysians in this programme.
“If previously DFKL had only involved TV3, with a focus on Malay TV viewers, we are expanding the platform to reach Chinese viewers of 8TV and modern Malay TV viewers of ntv7.
“We’ve appointed popular actress and 8TV presenter Pauline Tan to be one of the DFKL 2018 ambassadors,” he says. The other ambassador is Syazuwan who was discovered during DFKL 2016.
DFKL 2018 will also be a platform for youths to learn from the industry’s panel of experienced players at the DFKL 2018 Workshops.
Scheduled to take place at Putra World Trade Centre on March 31 and April 1, the eight panellists are artistes Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Erma Fatima, Sheila Rusly, Datin Diana Danielle, Fasha Sandha, directors Shahrulezad Mohammedin, Jason Chong and Jason Kok.
NEW BLOOD, NEW IDEAS
Award-winning actress, director and scriptwriter Erma Fatima, 49, is one of the workshop panellists at DFKL for the second time.
“I initially wanted to talk about directing. Then I realised that this would be a good opportunity to touch on scriptwriting.
“There is a lack of variety in the content of TV dramas. The same story is being recycled. There are creative Malaysians who are able to share new content and stories on the small screen,” says Erma who believes that a good production begins with a good script.
“Maybe some in the industry have become jaded and have run out of ideas. It’s time to tap into a young and fresh pool of creative minds. I want to challenge future players of the local acting industry at the workshop.”
Fellow panellist Sheila Rusly will be talking on the subject of the value of acting on social media, a relevant topic in this digital age.
“Being popular on social media or Insta-famous does not give an extra edge to acting. You may have millions of followers on Instagram, but you must have the ability to act,” says the 46-year-old actress and producer who began acting at 16.
DFKL 2018 includes a short-film contest, idea-pitching sessions and acting auditions.
The culmination is Anugerah DFKL 2018 in April. The fans’ choice awards are held to celebrate the works of amateur and professional directors, scriptwriters, cinematographers, composers and actors.
There will be 11 award categories including Choice Drama, Choice Actor, Choice Director, Choice Script, Choice Couple and Choice Theme Song.
Fans can cast their votes until March 1 at www.dfkl.com.my.
If previously DFKL had only involved TV3, with a focus on Malay TV viewers, we are expanding the platform to reach Chinese viewers of 8TV and modern Malay TV viewers of ntv7. Johan Ishak