Malaysians laud Michelle Yeoh’s Golden Globe win, but urge more support for local talent

Finas, the country’s film authority, blamed for exodus of talent that includes Taiwan-based director Tsai Ming-liang and comedian Ronny Chieng

Local filmmakers say support from authorities is inconsistent, cite racism as biggest problem pervading industry

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Michelle Yeoh accepting the best actress award for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” during the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards last week. Photo: NBC via AP

Published: 12:00pm, 17 Jan 2023Updated: 12:16am, 21 Apr 2023

Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh’s Golden Globe award for her leading role in Everything Everywhere All At Once has triggered a nationwide wave of pride and congratulatory messages from all levels of society.

Her achievement, being the first woman from Asia to win best actress at the US awards show, was lauded by no less than Malaysia’s national palace and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who described Yeoh as a cultural icon.

But amid the deluge of effusive messages, some Malaysians highlighted the stark reality facing local artists seeking to make their mark.

“We only claim talented Malaysians when they leave and make a name of themselves outside,” a user said on Twitter in response to Anwar’s message of congratulations.

Malaysians in artistic pursuits have found the going hard at home, according to award-winning singer-songwriter, film composer and filmmaker Pete Teo.

In a Twitter thread viewed by some half a million people, Teo noted Malaysia had lost a generation of young filmmakers because its institutions had failed to develop local talent.

“Our public institutions have not earned the right to call these artists their own. It makes my skin crawl that they try to,” Teo said.