Penerbitan Filem Melayu di Tanah Melayu, 1930-an hingga 1960-an

Production of Malay Films in Malaya, 1930-1960s

Abstract

This article aims to look at the role of Malay film production companies in Malaya from the 1930s to the 1960s. This study focuses on two (2) Malay film production companies, namely Malay Film Production (MFP) and Cathay-Keris Film. Movies are the most accessible and understandable source of entertainment. Therefore, the excellence of a publishing company will be measured through the precise level of cooperation between employers, directors and actors. In addition, various movie genres have been successfully produced by these two companies. Among them are genres with political, economic and social themes that coincide with the atmosphere of society in Malaya to be presented to the film audience of the country. This article uses qualitative research methods. Materials and sources are obtained from the National Film Department, National Archives of Malaysia, Universiti Malaya Main Library, Za’ba Universiti Malaya Library and The Que Media Unit, Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (FINAS). The results of the study show that Malay Film Production (MFP) and Cathay-Keris Film have monopolized the Malay film industry in Malaya to the extent that these companies are able to produce great Malay directors and actors. This is proven when the Malay Film Production Company has successfully produced 160 films while the Cathay-Keris Film Company has successfully produced 120 films. Before the establishment of these two companies, there were no Malay directors. After the presence of these companies, Malay directors were born who were educated by foreign directors, especially from India. Among the famous Malay directors are P. Ramlee, Jamil Sulong, Omar Rojik, Hussein Haniff and M. Amin. In contrast to Malay film actors, where it had existed before most of these actors were bangsawan actors who were absorbed into film actors who were eventually able to raise their names until they became known internationally. Among the famous actors such as Kasma Booty, Siti Tanjung Perak, S. Roomai Noor, Salleh Kamil and others.

Received: 21 August 2023

Reviewed: 15 November 2023

Accepted: 30 June 2024