Umno should produce short films in order to disseminate its messages to youths, said movie director Shuhaimi Baba.

She said the film industry in developed nations such as the United States are already doing this to fan patriotism amongst citizens.

“Nevertheless, the message or propaganda spread through their films are so well embedded that we don’t realise there are elements that stir up patriotism or (to inform about) the government's programmes for the people.

“That is their strength, we should learn and see what is their strategy for producing such films to deliver government messages to the people,” she told Umno Online.

Shuhaimi said the films produced should have the right strategy and specific emphasis to clarify its message to the people.

“It doesn’t have to be an hour or two-hour long film, but a quality short film would deliver any message if it is well made,” she was quoted as saying by Umno Online.

The director of the 2013 film 'Tanda Putera' (The Mark of a Prince) and the 2007 film '1957: Hati Malaya' (1957: Heart of Malaya) told the portal that short films would be a more interactive approach for Umno to garner support from youths – whether to talk about government programmes or the history of Umno’s struggles.

She expressed confidence that short films and sketches about Umno and its sincere leadership would win the hearts of youths, who view politicians as insincere.

Meanwhile, Shuhaimi also denied claims that youths are disinterested in Umno and shunning the party.

On the contrary, the director said she had attended numerous Umno general assemblies and the last assembly in 2016 saw a larger number of youths amongst its delegates.

“However, Umno’s efforts to approach the younger generation in this country needs to be intensified with various approaches that are more interactive, such as through the short films I mentioned, or historical films that can be screened according to the level of understanding of today's youths,” she added.