The Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) denied allegations of sabotage involving the biopic screening of ‘Anwar: The Untold Story’.

MAFE explained that cinemas were screening the movie an average of five times per location.

They also rejected claims of intentional hindrance or lack of support for local filmmakers.

“Local cinema exhibitors have an average of five movie showtimes for ‘Anwar: The Untold Story’ scheduled per location, covering 70 percent of locations across the country.

“A wider range of showtimes are available at central cinema locations,” MAFE said in a statement today.

This comes after DMY Creation, the biopic’s distributor, alleged local cinemas were “sabotaging” the film's sales target.

Limited screening slots

Despite collecting RM1 million at the box office on its first day, DMY Creation chairperson Mohamed Yusoff claimed that limited screening slots provided by some cinemas hindered the film’s success.

He stressed that the lack of support from cinemas for local films has detrimental effects on the film industry's growth.

‘Anwar: The Untold Story’ recounts the story of the Tambun MP during his tenure as deputy prime minister and finance minister from 1993 to 1998, as well as his fight against corruption.

It was directed by Viva Westi and starred Farid Kamil as Anwar, while Acha Septriasa and Hasnul Rahmat played the role of Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Mahathir Mohamad, respectively.