Beto Kusyairy Says Better Films Need Strong Audience Support to Survive
PETALING JAYA, June 11 — Malaysian actor Beto Kusyairy has stressed that improvements in the quality of local filmmaking will mean little if audiences do not actively support Malaysian films in cinemas.
According to Beto, the local film industry has made significant strides in recent years, with stronger storytelling, improved production standards and increasingly sophisticated filmmaking techniques.
However, he believes the industry’s progress can only be sustained if moviegoers continue to support local productions through cinema attendance.
“Local films have improved tremendously in terms of storytelling and production quality, but those improvements will have limited impact if audiences are not there to support them,” he said in a social media post.
The actor highlighted the importance of a film’s opening weekend, describing it as one of the most decisive periods in determining whether a movie succeeds commercially.
He explained that cinema operators closely monitor attendance figures during the first four days of release before deciding how many screening slots a film will retain.
As a result, films that fail to attract strong audiences early on often face reduced showtimes, regardless of their long-term potential or critical reception.
“The first four days are extremely important. If people intend to watch a film, it helps to do so during the opening weekend because those numbers can influence the film’s future in cinemas,” he said.
Beto noted that strong early support allows a movie to remain on cinema schedules longer, increasing its chances of reaching a wider audience.
He argued that maintaining a healthy cinema-going culture is essential for the continued growth of Malaysia’s film industry.
According to him, strong box-office performance encourages producers and investors to continue funding ambitious projects and supports efforts to raise industry standards.
The benefits extend beyond individual films, as successful productions create opportunities for directors, writers, actors, cinematographers, editors and many other creative professionals working behind the scenes.
Beto also emphasised that audiences play a direct role in shaping the future of local cinema.
He said every ticket purchased represents more than financial support; it is also recognition of the creativity, effort and dedication invested in producing local content.
The actor expressed hope that the positive momentum currently seen in Malaysian filmmaking can be maintained through stronger public engagement.
“If we want to see more high-quality local films being produced, audience support must continue to grow alongside the industry’s efforts.
“Quality and public support must go hand in hand if we want Malaysian cinema to move forward,” he said.
Beto added that a strong relationship between filmmakers and audiences remains crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and international competitiveness of Malaysia’s film industry.
