Anwar Opens Malaysia’s Latest Film Landmark as Government Highlights Growth of Local Cinema

The Malaysia film industry 2026 has entered a new phase with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opening Menara FINAS Damansara on August 24. The new National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) headquarters is positioned as a major hub for the country’s film and audiovisual sector. 

The opening comes as Malaysian films continue to attract strong audience interest, with local productions recording more cinema admissions than Hollywood titles during the first seven months of the year. 

Menara FINAS Becomes New Film Industry Hub

Located on a 5.14-acre site, Menara FINAS features modern facilities designed to support filmmakers, industry professionals and the preservation of Malaysia’s audiovisual heritage.

The building includes two sound stages, the P. Ramlee Digital Cinema, training facilities, a Mediatheque, a Museum of Moving Image and a national Film Vault.

The Film Vault currently houses 81,770 audiovisual collections. FINAS began fully operating from the new tower on August 6, 2026. 

Anwar Calls for Technology and Creative Growth

During the opening ceremony, Anwar said Malaysia needs to embrace new technologies such as artificial intelligence, animation and digital content while maintaining the country's cultural identity.

He also called for greater creative space within the industry, arguing that excessive restrictions could prevent Malaysian films from becoming more competitive and reaching international audiences.

The government is positioning the creative sector as part of the wider Orange Economy, with film and audiovisual production viewed as areas capable of contributing to Malaysia’s economic and cultural development.

Local Films Outperform Hollywood in Cinema Admissions

The opening of Menara FINAS comes amid encouraging figures for Malaysian cinema. FINAS reported that local films attracted 7.55 million cinema admissions between January and July 2026, compared with 6.94 million admissions for Hollywood films. That represents a difference of approximately 610,000 admissions, or 8.8%. 

Five Malaysian films also recorded more than RM10 million in box-office collections during the period.

Stronger Box Office Performance

Government figures show that collections under the Compulsory Screening Scheme increased substantially. Local film collections reached RM253.31 million in 2025, compared with RM125.28 million in 2024. As of August 10, 2026, collections had reached RM111.83 million. 

Government Plans Further Industry Support

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the government is continuing efforts to strengthen the film ecosystem, including measures related to professional standards, fair payments and social protection for industry workers. 

The development of Menara FINAS is therefore intended to go beyond providing new offices. It is expected to become a centre for production, training, preservation and industry development.

Key Facts

Menara FINAS Damansara was officially opened by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on August 24, 2026. 

The new facility includes sound stages, a digital cinema, training spaces and a national Film Vault.

The Film Vault currently holds 81,770 audiovisual collections. 

Malaysian films recorded 7.55 million cinema admissions from January to July 2026.

Hollywood films recorded 6.94 million admissions during the same period.

Local film collections under the Compulsory Screening Scheme reached RM253.31 million in 2025. 

What People Are Asking

What is Menara FINAS?

Menara FINAS Damansara is the new headquarters and industry hub of FINAS, equipped with production, training, cinema and audiovisual preservation facilities. 

Are Malaysian films more popular than Hollywood films in 2026?

Based on cinema admissions from January to July, local films recorded 7.55 million admissions compared with 6.94 million for Hollywood films.

What does Anwar want for Malaysia’s film industry?

Anwar has called for the industry to embrace AI, animation and other technologies while preserving Malaysian culture, values and identity. 

Why is the new FINAS building important?

It brings production, training, cinema and audiovisual preservation facilities together in one major industry hub, supporting the development of Malaysia’s creative sector.