Aid initiative gives veteran artistes new lease of life

The Ziarah National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Prihatin 3.0 Programme provides opportunities for veteran artistes to make a comeback.

Its chairman Zakaria Abdul Hamid said through the initiative, old timers who have long left the industry are offered acting or singing jobs by producers.

“Apart from making visits, the Finas Prihatin Programme gives forgotten veteran artistes a chance to be active again in their respective fields,” he said after calling on seven veteran artistes, among them actor and film director Datuk Rahim Razali, actress Rozie Othman and singer Julie Sudiro yesterday.

They each received RM1,000 and daily necessities, contributed by Finas strategic partners, namely Civil Defence Emergency Response Team, Felda Foundation, GISB Holdings, Al-Najah (KL) Bhd Cooperation and Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisations in collaboration with the Malaysian Artistes Association and Film Directors Association of Malaysia.

Rahim, who had directed films such as Abang, Abang 92, Tsue Feh Sofiah and Anak Sarawak, said he is still involved in the film industry although offers have not been as good as before.

“I will continue to be in my favourite field, which is the cultural and creative industry, and if time permits I hope to produce my last film for which I will be the screenwriter and director either this year or next year,” said the 82-yearold former sports commentator.

Meanwhile, popular jazz, blues, pop and keroncong singer Julie said she was grateful for the visit and contribution, as it proves that veteran artistes are still remembered.

The programme aims to show appreciation to those who had contributed to the country’s creative industry, especially veteran artistes who are suffering from health problems or illnesses. – Bernama