Warner Music (WM) Malaysia and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership to propel local films onto the global stage, creating new opportunities for the country’s creative talent.
The two organisations will invest in production and promote the export of Malaysian films, with a focus on leveraging the power of original soundtracks (OSTs). Warner Music Malaysia and FINAS will develop exceptional OSTs for selected films with both strong domestic and international appeal, ensuring that the music seamlessly enhances the cinematic experience.
WM Malaysia will also leverage Warner Music Group’s extensive global network to facilitate collaborations with international artists, bringing fresh perspectives and expanding the reach of Malaysian soundtracks. The company will maximise the distribution and impact of these OSTs by tapping into its relationship with leading digital platforms.
Dinesh Ratnam, Managing Director of Warner Music Malaysia, says: “We are very excited about this opportunity to partner with FINAS as we share its vision of supporting the global export of creative Malaysian talent. We’ve seen how the right soundtrack can amplify the impact and reach of films, so we’re eager to collaborate and use our global network to enhance local films and boost their export potential.”
Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of FINAS, added: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Malaysian film industry, demonstrating a shared commitment to showcasing the country’s rich talent and stories to a global audience. By combining Warner Music Malaysia’s expertise in music and global reach with our deep understanding of the local film landscape, this collaboration has the potential to elevate Malaysian cinema to new heights.”
This partnership builds on WM Malaysia’s track record of successful work with local artists. For example, two of the three most-streamed local artists on Spotify last year were signed to Warner Music, with Masdo claiming the top spot and Luqman Podolski charting at #3. In addition, Sarah Suhairi’s hit “SAH”, featuring Alfie Zumi, was the highest charting Malaysian song in Indonesia this year, as well as going to #1 on the Malaysian RIM chart.
